Ian Dempsey, Today FM DJ, tells Patricia Weston he is no stranger to health clubs but he just doesn't get around to using them
Do you take regular exercise?
Well, I do play a little bit of golf but I was never really the sort of person who exercised. I was more into music and the radio. I suppose there's a fair bit of walking involved in playing golf - so that's exercise. And I do walk the course rather than taking a buggy and I'd drag the golf bag around as well.
Ever joined a gym?
Yes, I've been a member of several gyms but never used one. I joined because I felt it was a good idea at the time and I even bought all the gear - tracksuit, runners etc but just never bothered. I joined Squash Ireland years ago. I went in to have a look around and was very impressed but I never managed to get around to playing a game of squash.
Is there any activity you enjoy besides golf?
I like swimming, a nice woman called Marian taught me to swim a few years ago. We spent two intensive weeks learning but unfortunately I didn't keep it up. Swimming is great exercise as it uses every muscle in the body. I never have the time to exercise, I'm always so busy. At my age - 43 years old - you have to find the time to do things.
Did you play sports at school?
I had Shane Byrne on the radio the other day, he's a hooker and it reminded me of my school days in Belvedere. I actually tried to play rugby while I was at school for one day but didn't like it. Playing sport just doesn't interest me.
How do you unwind after a busy day?
I find I can totally switch off when I play golf. You have to aim at getting this stupid white ball into a hole so you can't be thinking of anything else. I try to get out at least once a week because it takes about four-five hours to play a round. I'm lucky because working on morning radio I finish work at lunchtime so I can get out onto the golf course.
Are you conscious about what you eat?
I had high cholesterol and the doctor gave me a diet to follow and I managed to get it down in a few weeks. I do watch what I eat and I do my best to cut out animal fats in my diet. I'm a little bit overweight but I'm not too bad. I try to stick to vegetables and try to have a little of what I fancy. I do smoke but since the ban I've cut down. I wish Michéal Martin the best of luck, I think it's a great idea. Before the ban I used to smoke in the studio but now that I can't I've cut down by about 10-15 cigarettes.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Golf specific exercises are useful for improving golf technique and fitness.
Work the forearms to increase club head grip and improve driving distance by lifting a light weight and curling your wrists up in a small movement and returning, keeping forearms still, repeat six to eight times on each forearm.
Lunges strengthen leg muscles for walking the course. Step one foot forward, bending the knee and lunging with the back leg. Repeat six to eight times on each leg.
Press-ups and shoulder press exercises strengthen chest and shoulder muscles which help improve golf swing.
Exercise the core muscles of the abdominals and lower back to improve posture and prevent injury while you golf.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.