Musician Paddy Cole tells Patricia Westonhe keeps fit with regular games of golf, walking and running around with his grandchildren
What type of exercise do you do?
I walk quite a bit because I'm very conscious about keeping fit. I had a disc operation on my back a few years ago so I have to exercise. I also play golf. I used to go to the gym but I stopped it because of the back pain.
I find walking everyday loosens up my back. I walk around Herbert Park and take my grandchildren out sometimes and they certainly keep me fit. I also do stretching exercises in the morning to keep me limbered up.
Are you weight conscious?
I am weight conscious and I keep an eye on what I eat. I have to watch my cholesterol because I had it tested last year and it was very high. I don't eat as much butter as I used to and I've cut down on the amount of chocolate I eat. I used to buy about six bars of chocolate before I went to a gig and eat them on the way home but now I've stopped that.
Do you drink?
No, I'm 13 years off the drink. I had a throat infection and the specialist told me to stay off alcohol so I just never bothered going back on it.
The temptation is always there to drink in my line of work. After a gig you'd go to a hotel and drink because it's sociable, now I have a hot chocolate.
Would you consider yourself in good health?
Yes, generally I'm settled, I like golf, walking and I enjoy the few gigs. I enjoy life and I enjoy my grandchildren.
Are you an advocate of alternative remedies?
I do believe in alternative remedies.
I take honey, I always have a jar of Boyne Valley with me, and I take Udo's oil to keep my joints supple.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Keeping fit, supple and strong is very important for good back health. Combine a light, low-
impact aerobic activity such as walking or swimming with a stretching and strengthening regime to keep your back strong and pain free, even if you have never suffered from a back injury. Always perform your stretching and strengthening routine when your body is warm, preferably after your aerobic workout.
Stretch your legs, upper back, arms, chest and shoulders and perform abdominal strengthening exercises combined with lower back dorsal exercises.
For dorsal raises: lie on your stomach on a mat on the floor. Keep your head steady, facing the floor. Raise your right arm and your left leg, hold, then raise your left arm and your right leg. Alternate slowly and gently and repeat six times on each side.
For the abdominals the Pilates Hundred exercise is suitable for both beginners and advanced exercisers. Lie on the mat on your back. Keep your arms relaxed by your side.
Lift your feet, with your knees bent, off the floor, keeping your shins parallel to the ceiling. Your knees should be in line with your hips. Hold this position breathing steadily for eight to 10 counts, then relax by bringing your knees into your chest. Repeat four times.
Tune in to Paddy Cole at 10am, Sunday mornings on Dublin's Country Mix 106.8 FM.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.