Pianist Richard Clayderman uses his time in between touring to get back into shape. Patricia Westonreports.
Do you exercise?
Over the years I used to love jogging but, unfortunately, my doctor recommended that I cut back, so now I have to go to the gym.
What do you do at the gym?
I used to do indoor cycling but it got a bit boring so I started body pump about a month ago. It's an all-over workout combining weights with aerobics.
It's hard work! I try to go twice a week when I'm at home, but when I'm travelling or touring I either don't have time or can't find the amenities.
Is it important for you to keep fit?
Yes, I do my best to keep fit. I have to work very hard during a tour, so when I get home I need to recover as touring is very tiring. When I do get home, I really need physical activities to get me back into shape.
Do you worry about your appearance?
I pay a lot of attention to my weight out of respect for myself and my audience. Therefore, I take care of my diet, I avoid eating too much and I don't drink any alcohol.
What's your diet like?
I try to eat lots of vegetables and fruits, a little meat but not in excess. I hate fish; I wish I didn't, as it's very good for my health. My weakness is cheese; I really like cheese. You know I'm French so I'm a bit greedy and to compensate I try my best not to eat too much pastry.
Would you ever have cosmetic surgery?
I don't think so but maybe when my wrinkles get too deep, I will have to call a cosmetic surgeon.
What's your attitude to exercise?
I'm very respectful of my piano training as well as of my body training.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Body pump is a resistance training exercise class using barbells with adjustable weights and hand weights that work all the major muscle groups through exercises including squats, presses and lifts.
Even if you don't have access to a body pump class you can chisel your body with this workout. All you need is upbeat music, water, a mat, a towel and something to use as hand weights like two tins of beans or half-litre water bottles and a broom to use as a barbell.
•Pick up the hand weights and start with bicep curls. Curl for 15-20 repetitions then move onto shoulder presses, again for up to 20 reps.
•Keep the shoulders pumped by doing lateral raises, hold the weights in your hands facing each other together at hip level, with your elbows slightly bent then raise out to the sides. Perform 12-15 reps and take a brief rest.
•Then take the barbell, place it behind your neck resting across your shoulders and do squats, do three sets of 15-20 reps.
•Do deadlifts to exercise your back and legs. Place the bar on the floor, bend your knees and place your hands on the barbell in an overhand grip with both hands palm down. Lift the bar by pushing upward with the legs from the knees. The bar should come to rest at around thigh level, then lower the bar to the floor with a reverse motion keeping your back straight. Do 15-20 reps, three times.
•Then go to your stairs and do calf raises, perform three sets of 12 reps.
•Lie on your back and do abdominal crunches, three sets of 12-15 reps.
•This should take up to 20 minutes in total to perform, so you'll probably have to do the whole workout twice or three times.
•After you are finished your pump, take a jog around the block or a brisk walk for 10-15 minutes to get blood flowing through your muscles.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.