My Kind of Exercise

Stiofán Seoighe who plays Andy in TG4's Ros na Rún tells Patricia Weston working on his farm and walking his dogs provides plenty…

Stiofán Seoighe who plays Andy in TG4's Ros na Rún tells Patricia Weston working on his farm and walking his dogs provides plenty of exercise

Do you exercise? I live in Galway so hill walking is an obvious way for me to keep fit. I take the dogs with me, as they need their exercise too, and they are great company as walking can be a lonely form of exercise. I also have a farm and working on the farm involves a lot of walking, lifting things and getting fresh air.

Have you ever suffered any serious illnesses or injuries? No I've been very lucky. A farm can be a dangerous place so you have to ensure there are safety measures in place to make sure no one injures themselves. I have been extremely lucky that nothing serious has ever happened to me, and touch wood, it won't happen.

As an actor are you conscious about how you look? No, I don't worry about my appearance any more than anyone else. When it comes to acting, there's a certain amount of care that you have to take with your appearance. The make-up and wardrobe people at Ros na Rún are brilliant though, so I leave them to look after that aspect of my "beauty" routine. At home, with the farm and everything, it's very physical work so the last thing I'd really be that concerned about is my appearance.

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Have you had cosmetic surgery? No. I wouldn't be completely closed off to the idea, as I get a bit older though. Acting is all about image and how you look, so if it came down to it I might go under the knife. It's true what women say though; it's easier for older male actors to get parts written for their age than it is for women. I think women tend to have more surgery done than men, particularly in the acting world.

What's your food vice? I'm a tea maniac, but I do try to drink as much water as I can during the day too.

Ever gone on a diet? No, I've never dieted at all. I don't see the need to. If you get the right combination of exercise and healthy eating then there's no need to diet.

What are your fitness tips? I think if you can incorporate your exercise into your everyday life whenever possible like bringing your dogs for a walk and actively playing with your children you can stay fit.

Ros na Rún is on air every Tuesday and Thursday on TG4 at 8:30pm with an omnibus edition every Sunday night at 10:25pm.

Patricia Weston recommends:

Take some advice from Stiofán and incorporate exercise into your day by actively playing with your children.

Rouse your inner child and get out and play with your kids or if you don't have children play like a child. Just 30 minutes of activity three times a week is enough to work your heart and lungs and keep you fit.

Get outdoors and kick a football around or throw a frisbee for an energising aerobic workout.

Bounce on a trampoline, it's great fun and a half an hour of jumping can burn up to 245 calories.

Cycle for a high intensity, low impact workout that won't revive any old injuries or damage joints.

Dance around at home to the radio and burn 266 calories an hour.

Try in-line skating, you're guaranteed a fun workout with lots of knocks and bumps to take you back to your childhood playing days.

Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.

Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.