Liam O'Maonlai, lead singer with The Hothouse Flowers, tells Patricia Weston that exercise is part of his daily life as he cycles and walks everywhere.
Are you an exerciser?
Well, I'm not really but then again I suppose I walk and cycle everywhere because I rarely use a car, so I suppose I'm fit enough.
What exercise do you really enjoy?
I used to run a lot and I found it very good. I'd run for an hour or two hours, because once you get into a rhythm you can keep going. I used to run along the Dodder River and along Sandymount strand.
What other activities do you do?
I cycle everywhere and I swim in the forty foot from time to time during the summer. I also do yoga occasionally. I think it's very good and it's good to follow a discipline rather than doing bits of this and that. Yoga is great for the body and mind.
Were you a sporty kid?
Not really, I was into music when I was in school so I went in that direction rather then playing hurling and football.
Are you a healthy eater?
No, I just get food into me. I wouldn't be big into the fast food chains. I appreciate what's going into my body but I don't stick to a regime or diet.
Are you conscious of your appearance?
Not really, the thoughts of changing parts of the body scares me. I think cosmetic surgery is scary. I'm offered a penis enlargement every day through emails but I've no comment on that. I like the way I look; it's what I've got.
Do you suffer from stress?
My job is less hectic than a lot of jobs. I'm doing what feels natural to me and I get a kick out of doing it. I can negotiate my time so I don't get stressed and I can see the stress before it hits. I think it's a choice to be stressed or not and you just have to be realistic about possibilities.
What's your view on exercise?
I think exercise should be part of your day; you shouldn't just exercise for exercise sake. It's great to stretch. We should be conscious of our body and posture and once you're conscious you've taken a great step. We were designed to move.
The Hothouse Flowers' album Into Your Heart is out now.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Chill out your mind and stretch out your body with this relaxing regime. You will need a mat, a blanket and a kitchen chair. Hold each posture for 30 seconds.
Begin seated on your hunkers and stretch out your arms above your head.
Stretch the back, shoulders and hamstrings in your legs by standing with your feet hip distance apart, bend forward and rest your hands on the back of the chair. Tuck your head in and look down towards the floor.
On the floor make a platform with your folded blanket against the wall. Sit on the blanket towards the wall; your bum should be up against the wall and your legs straight. Stretch your arms over your head and relax.
Use the folded blanket as a pillow and lie on the floor. Extend your arms and hands away from your body, gently curling your fingers. Allow your legs to open apart and relax with your toes pointing away from your body. Close your eyes, breathe and relax.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.