Author Cathy Kelly tells Patricia Weston how she has given up exercise since having her twins
Are you an exerciser?
Up until I became pregnant, I worked out three times a week. I used to do spinning classes as well as swim lengths. But since giving birth to my twin sons, Dylan and Murray, I have done nothing! I hate feeling unfit but there seems to be no time in my life right now for the gym.
Have you gym membership?
Yes, and I go swimming with the boys occasionally which means it costs about €8 million for a swim.
What's your favourite activity?
Swimming. I'm not very good and do an ungainly doggy paddle, but I am very focused and do laps until I am exhausted.
Anything you'd like to try?
I love the sound of Bikram Yoga. All that heat and working your muscles too sounds like the perfect workout.
Do you eat healthily?
Very. I'm boringly healthy and really do love all the healthy food. Brown bread with honey is my idea of heaven for breakfast and I love salads and fruit smoothies in the morning. Fatty, rich foods make me feel ill. I like simple stuff.
Any vices?
I love coffee to an unhealthy degree and like two sugars in it.
Would you change anything about your body?
Once, I'd have had a list as long as your arm but these days I've learned to accept myself. Motherhood brings a certain degree of serenity in that you appreciate what's important in life.
Ever consider cosmetic surgery?
I don't think so. I'm a believer in the concept that at 20 you have the face you were born with and at 40 you have the face you deserve.
Always & Forever, Cathy Kelly's eighth novel, is out now in paperback published by HarperCollins.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Having children needn't be a reason to give up your workout. Here are some tips to keep you active with your baby and banish that post pregnancy bulge.
Walking with your baby is a terrific way to get a cardiovascular workout. Make sure you walk with good posture and get the most from your walking by holding in your stomach muscles to work the abs. Keep your stride long and tighten your bum as you walk to get it nicely toned. Vary the intensity by switching your stride from short to long steps and change your speed.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and pilates teacher.