Broadcaster Ella McSweeney tells Patricia Westonshe can get fit quite quickly because she played so many sports during her school days
Are you a fitness fanatic?
I certainly exercise and I'm terribly obsessive about things. I had years of focusing on hockey and then I had a short period of rowing. Recently it was badminton. Now it's squash - there are courts here in RTÉ so I'm very lucky. I also go hiking every few weeks and cycle as much as I can.
Do you think you're fit?
I think because I played so much sport in school I can get fit quite quickly, but if I don't exercise it's hopeless. I have very low blood pressure which is a good sign I think.
Have you sustained any sports injuries?
I ripped my Achilles tendon when I played hockey which was excessively painful. Nowadays, if I play sport too intensely I'm prone to repetitive strain in my left elbow. It becomes all fat and swollen, it's disgusting.
Would you ever have cosmetic surgery?
Inject myself with botulism? Not a chance. If I sustained an injury from an accident or fire then I would think of it but otherwise, no way.
What would you eat in a typical day?
I have yoghurt and toast in the morning, a sandwich and salad for lunch and for dinner I have anything that comes to mind.
Have you ever tried any faddy diets?
When I lived in Belfast I became a vegan for six weeks. After a week of dizziness, I felt great although it meant I had to spend a lot of time cooking and eating. Not a bad complaint, really.
Do you use alternative medicines?
The only thing I really believe in is "jala neti" for my sinuses. It's basically a salt wash. I snort and gargle with saltwater everyday; it's been miraculous for me. It's much better than antibiotics and steroids which haven't helped at all.
What's your connection with exercise?
If I were a man, I'd love it obsessively, break up with it occasionally and then love it again shortly afterwards, after learning the error of my ways.
Ella's programme, Mind Matters, on conditions of the human brain is broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on Tuesdays at 8.30pm.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Varying your sports activities frequently like Ella is a terrific way to challenge your body, keep you interested in exercise and keep you very fit.
Many people get stuck in an exercise rut because they do not vary their routine enough and that leads to boredom and exercise plateau.
Varying exercise targets different muscles in the body, which prevents muscle imbalance and overuse, and keeps you permanently fit.
If you have a set cardio routine in the gym, mix around your machine use and increase the intensity on one or two machines.
Once you have a base fitness level, you can get fitter for other disciplines very quickly.
Become a triathlete: try running for about three months, then giving your joints a rest and swimming for three months, then taking up cycling.
Always remember to prevent injury and keep muscles supple by doing relaxing, developmental (holding the stretch for 30-40 seconds) stretches after every workout.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
pweston@eircom.net