Actress Dorothy Cotter prefers informal ways of keeping fit, but if the activity isn't fun, you can count her out, she tells Patricia Weston
How fit are you?
I'm naturally fairly fit, but I'm not as active as I was when I was younger. I studied ballet and modern dance for 10 years, which kept me in great shape.
What are your main types of exercise?
Walking and cycling. The bike is really handy for getting around town. I've never been to a gym, I prefer more informal and fun ways of exercising, such as playing Frisbee with my friends and flying kites and toy planes. I often part-take in physical workshops and classes like break-dancing, capoeira, clowning and things like that.
Are you vain?
Like anyone, there are days when I try to avoid the mirror but for the most part I'm happy with what I see.
Do you eat a balanced diet?
There's a temptation here to make out that I'm healthier than I really am, but I'll be honest. I have to admit that I probably eat more biscuits and chocolate weekly than some people eat in month! I don't smoke or drink coffee, though, so indulging my sweet tooth is my only vice. Otherwise, I eat quite healthily, I avoid fast food and processed foods, I drink lots of water and I eat veggies every day.
Have you ever used any alternative remedies?
I'm a big fan of flower remedies, especially Valerian to help with sleeping and Rescue Remedy for occasions where you need to calm your nerves. Reiki has been a part of my life for the last 10 or 15 years. I think it's great that holistic medicine is becoming more the norm nowadays in Western society.
Is exercise a very important part of your life?
I'm not sporty and I don't work out but I love going for walks by the sea or in Phoenix Park or running around after a Frisbee. If it's not fun, count me out!
Dorothy stars in Tall Tales & Bewley's Café Theatre production of Fireworks, by Iseult Golden, running lunchtimes Monday to Saturday at 1.20pm until July 28th.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription;
Dorothy believes exercise should be fun. Exercise shouldn't be treated as a chore, it should take you back to your childhood halcyon days when all you wanted to do was stay out all evening playing, running, chasing and dancing rather than going home to go to bed.
Here are a few tips on how to make exercise fun and practical.
• Don't get stuck in the gym rut. Too many people join a gym and trudge along with their programmes performing monotonous reps and sets, thinking they are doing their health some good only to give up after three months never to return to exercise again.
• Incorporate exercise into your life every single day. Tone and tighten throughout the day. When you're brushing your teeth in the morning or drying your hair, do a knee raise forward then kick back your leg and lift it for eight counts, repeat on both legs for a tight, toned bum.
• Make use of wasted minutes during the day that are spent queuing or standing at the photocopier and rise up on your toes, hold for a few seconds then lower and lean back on your heels to help tone your legs.
• Take a tip from Dorothy and enjoy your local park, take your dog out for a walk and throw him a ball or a Frisbee.
• Take your nieces, nephews, sons or daughters out, whatever the weather, and play chasing or hide and seek.
• Try to laugh more throughout the day, not only will this release feel good hormones, it will tone and tighten your stomach muscles too.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.