Actress Natalia Kostrzewa tells Patricia Westonhow she unwinds by cleaning her flat with the music up very loud and dancing until she drops.
Do you keep fit?
Not really, I'd say my fitness level is about average. Recently I discovered cycling. I have a bike with no gears so I can't be lazy because it's much harder to cycle it. Also there's a free gym where I live that is open all the time and I try my best to use it.
And when I go out, I love to dance until I drop. I also enjoy cleaning my flat to loud music as it helps me unwind.
As an actress are you conscious about how you look?
Of course. I'm a typical woman. Summer is coming so I'd like to be more toned.
Do you eat a balanced diet?
I try to. I mostly have cereal for breakfast, a big main meal and then when I get picky in the evening I stuff myself with oranges. I make up my own diets if I feel like losing a couple of pounds.
If I wanted to drastically diet I'd eat cereal or muesli in the morning, then salad for lunch and cooked vegetables for dinner. I drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit because I find that really fills me up. I do this for a couple of days and it works.
Do you believe in alternative remedies?
My grandma's advice always works for me and I love her old recipe, which consists of hot milk, butter and honey.
Does exercise play a big part in your life?
I would love it to, but I'm bad at committing to regular exercise, I'm often making excuses. But when I do go through with it and exercise, I find the feeling afterwards is great.
Natalia stars in Storyteller's latest play Mushroom which is on national tour until July 7th. For further details visit www.storytellerstheatrecompany.com or tel: 01-6711161.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
You don't have to go to the gym three to four times a week to keep fit. If you keep active every day you will stay fit.
Try the housework workout and, like Natalia, turn up the music very loud and get moving. It's a cheaper, practical and more fun alternative to the gym and it will keep you active daily, so not only will you tone up, you'll clean up too.
•Begin by marching on the spot or walking for at least 10 minutes to warm up.
•Get the vacuum cleaner out and begin in a standing position. With the cleaner in your right hand, vacuum forward and take a big step forward with your right foot then step back to join the left leg and cha, cha, cha. Stomp the floor with the right foot first then left, then right again, very quickly to the count of three. Repeat this eight times on each leg, and then begin again with the cha, cha, cha to the sides.
•When you dust make sure you work at a brisk pace reaching high up and low down to get into all the nooks and crannies.
•Exaggerate your sweeping movements by doing arm circles clockwise and anti-clockwise alternating between your right and left hands.
•Once you've swept your kitchen floor take the sweeping brush in both hands. Stand with your feet hip distance apart and your knees slightly bent. Bend forward so the brush is level with your shins. Then bend your elbows and lift the brush to your chest in a dead lift. Keep your back straight and your abdominals held in tight.
Repeat slowly for 12 - 15 counts.
•Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.