Radio presenter Gail Conway tells Patricia Westonthat she tries to keep fit by going to the gym, swimming and hill walking, as well as starting each day with a pint of hot water
What's your workout?
I swim a lot and attend a local gym. I go hill walking on a regular basis and I dance and take aerobic classes.
So you must be fit?
Yes, I would be, but I have been out of action recently with whiplash so I am gradually getting back into the swing of things at the moment. I'm training for a three-day trek in Scotland to raise money for Amnesty International in May so I need to be in shape for that.
Is there anything about your body that you would like to change?
Yes, I'd like to tone up everywhere.
Would you ever have plastic surgery?
I've watched too many makeover shows and have seen what happens in cosmetic operations, so I've decided that I would be way too squeamish and too much of a chicken to put myself through any kind of cosmetic surgery.
What would you eat in a typical day?
When I'm in a "good routine", I start the day off with a pint of hot water and lemon followed by porridge.
For lunch, I'll have smoked salmon and salad or a homemade soup. For a snack, I'd have fruit salad and sugar-free jelly. Then for dinner, I'll try to have pasta with vegetables and chicken or rice and beans, all topped off with low-fat cheese. I love cheese.
Then I'll have chocolate or low-fat crisps or nuts. I do have really bad days too though when I'll have a breakfast roll, chips and a pizza. I limit my "bad" days to weekend days and holidays where possible.
What's your stress buster?
Swimming is great for stress busting. I don't know why but after a good swim I'm always really chilled out.
Do you use alternative remedies?
I did quite a few treatments at a place in Athlone called Minghala, everything from reiki to natural facials. I found them really relaxing.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Gail would love to tone up her whole body. The best way to tone and sculpt your whole body is to balance cardiovascular workouts with flexibility exercises and toning exercises.
As part of your programme, try these total body toners for a sculpted, sleek and strong body:
Holding a light dumbbell, about 2kg, in both hands, stand straight with your feet hip distance apart, with your arms outstretched over your head.
Bend forward at the hips and dip your hands between your feet. Straighten back up to the starting position and repeat six times in a slow and controlled manner.
In the same starting position again bend forward, then straighten up but keep your arms together and out to the right at shoulder level. Repeat on both sides, four times each.
Repeat this sequence again but kneeling on a mat on the floor.
With the weights in your hands by your sides, stand with your feet hip width apart and squat as far towards the floor as you can. As you squat raise the weights to shoulder level then out to the sides and straighten. Repeat 10 times.
pweston@eircom.net
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.