Actor Gerry McCann tells Patricia Westonhow he has taken up exercise in an effort to regain the fitness he lost since he slipped a disc
Are you an exerciser?
Well, I am, as it happens. You mightn't think it to look at me but I've been going to the gym two or three times a week for the past four months.
Up until about five or six years ago I was pretty fit. I played football regularly, ran and swam quite a bit too.
But I slipped a disc and that all stopped. I was more or less laid up for weeks at a time with little to do but comfort eat. I put on a lot of weight. Then I stopped smoking two years ago and piled on more pounds.
What's your favourite sporting activity?
I like playing games. I started playing cricket five years ago with the Theatrical Cavaliers.
Is there anything you'd like to try in the future?
I intend to start doing yoga soon.
My wife's at it now as she's pregnant; she comes home glowing and looking 10 tears younger. I'd love to learn to surf too.
What are your unhealthy habits?
Well, just pints really and not as much of them as I used to have. A few good pints of Guinness in a nice pub with mates are one of life's great pleasures.
I do like chips. I can take or leave sweet stuff but any savoury food that is bad for you, especially stuff deep-fried in batter, I'll have.
What changes do you need to make to your body?
I need to continue to lose weight, that's the main thing.
How do you feel about exercising?
Well, I can get lazy. But mostly I enjoy it.
Gerry stars in Gúna Nua Theatre & Civic Theatre's comedy Trousers, in Andrew's Lane Theatre from February 28th to March 24th at 8pm.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Yoga is a great activity for loosening, strengthening and toning all the main muscles in the body. It's a great way to stretch tight or sore muscles and would certainly help Gerry's back problem.
Try this simple routine for back health at home in a well-ventilated, comfortable, warm room.
Begin by sitting on a supportive chair, take a deep breath and slowly bend forward rolling your head down until it touches your knees and allowing your arms to relax on the floor. Hold this pose, breathing deeply for 10 seconds.
On the floor on a mat sit with your right leg straight and bend your left knee across the right leg. Place your elbow on the left knee and twist your torso to the left. Hold and repeat on the opposite leg.
Seated on the mat, cross your legs and gently bend forward, allowing your forehead to touch the floor. Stretch your hands as far forward as you can and hold.
Sit up on all fours, arch your back and do a cat stretch, then rise up on your toes, straightening your legs and keeping your head between your straightened arms. Gently ease back on your heels and hold, breathing deeply.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.