Celia Larkin, proprietor of Beauty at the Blue Door, Drumcondra, Dublin, tells Patricia Weston of how she keeps fit with her love of tennis
Do you take regular exercise?
Yes, I play tennis. I try to play at least three times a week for an hour to an hour and a half. I play doubles and singles. I took it up a year ago and I really enjoy it.
I used to walk a lot to get exercise but I found it was a lonely pursuit. Tennis is more sociable. I do some hill walking too.
Have you ever been a member of a gym?
I used to go to the gym regularly but I found it tedious so I gave it up.
I even had a personal trainer to keep me motivated and I did weight training and aerobics. I did the whole lot but didn't enjoy it.
I also used to do a lot of swimming but gave that up too because the preparation for it was too much hassle.
Would you consider yourself fit?
I am fit but I'm not supple. I don't do yoga or anything like that.
What's your attitude to exercise?
I think exercise is very important especially as you get older because it's important to exercise to help prevent osteoporosis and stay healthy. Exercise should be pleasurable rather than a chore. It's also better to exercise outdoors in the fresh air, I think.
Did you play sports at school?
I used to do Irish dancing as a child and set dancing and that keeps you very fit. I was in everything as a kid: ballet, tap dancing, the whole lot!
Are you conscious about what you eat?
I'm conscious but I'm not over the top. I try to avoid processed food but that's not to say I don't eat any at all, I indulge occasionally. I eat a lot of fruit and green vegetables and I'm conscious of following a balanced diet.
I eat a lot of protein, whether that's good or bad I don't know but I don't have high cholesterol. I eat lots of meat and cheese.
Have you ever dieted?
I tried the Montignac diet. With this diet you don't eat carbohydrates and proteins at the same time. It's a low-carbohydrate diet. It worked and I lost weight but I don't have a problem with my weight. I have a healthy attitude and I don't want to be too skinny.
I'm not afraid to eat. I think once you're fit enough and eat well, that's fine.
Do you suffer from stress?
No, I don't suffer too much from stress. When you run your own business, you can worry at times but I'm not a big worrier. I'm not really laid back either.
I worry when there's due cause to worry, but never worry about something I can do nothing about.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Tennis provides a great upper and lower body cardiovascular workout.
Time spent on a tennis court can vary from 30 minutes to three hours so it requires plenty of physical endurance and stamina.
There's a lot of running back and forth and plenty of lateral movement that will keep you aerobically fit and ensure all the major muscles get a workout.
The game involves short bursts of explosive exercise: sprinting, jumping or swinging the racket.
While this is great for improving fitness the sudden movements can cause injury so it's important to develop and maintain flexible muscles by stretching before and after you play.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.