Ruth Scott, 2FM DJ, tells Patricia Weston she will never try the Atkins diet as eating more rashers than vegetables cannot be good for anyone
Do you take any exercise? Yes. I do aerobics and I try to do weights in the gym at least twice a week and two bouts of walking during the week as well.
Would you consider yourself fit? I'm reasonably fit, although I lose it quickly.
Do you worry about your appearance? Thankfully since I work on radio, appearance doesn't necessarily matter. However, I am a human being with pride so most of the time I'll make a little effort to clean myself up to look presentable.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change? I'd love to be able to grow my nails long and hard. They bend back horribly at even the merest suggestion of water.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery? Not at this young stage of my life. I'm not perfectly symmetrical and I don't want to be.
Do you eat a balanced diet? Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
Ever tried any faddy diets? I never did the Atkins diet because I don't believe eating more rashers than vegetables can be good for anyone.
What stresses you? Time constraints and heavy traffic.
How do you chill out? The gym is a good place to unwind. I do a little yoga and, if all else fails, I go to Phoenix Park and walk really fast for an hour. I challenge anyone to feel stressed after that!
What's your attitude to exercise? It's essential for good physical and mental health. The body needs to burn off the excess adrenalin that modern life affords us. However, I'm like everyone else and sometimes love to veg out on the couch.
Patricia Weston recommends:
If you're thinking of joining a gym this winter to tone up and lose a few pounds, here's what you might expect:
You should get a fitness assessment once you join up. This may include body fat analysis, body measurement, a weigh-in, a blood pressure check and a fitness test.
During the fitness test you'll be asked to cycle on a stationary bike for 20 minutes to gauge your level of fitness.
Once you're tested you'll be given a programme that may include a resistance training workout and an aerobic workout.
For the aerobic workout you should be able to avail of any of the classes on offer such as step aerobics, spinning or regular aerobics.
For the resistance training programme, a qualified fitness instructor will design a regime to suit your abilities and fitness level. This usually includes working with weight machines to tone and strengthen all the major muscle groups.
An instructor usually reviews programmes every four-six weeks depending on the gym, your progress and frequency of attendance.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.