Juliet Murphy, captain of the Cork ladies football team, tells Patricia Westonthat exercise should be part of everyone's daily routine
What's your exercise routine?
I play ladies football and teach classes in my own gym, so exercise is very much part of my daily routine. I also do weekly spinning and toning classes and I train with my local football and county football team five nights a week.
You're obviously fit then?
Yes, at this time of year we are in the main part of our season so a lot of our hard sessions have been done - all the games tend to keep you fit after that.
Have you suffered any serious illnesses or injuries?
I have had an underactive thyroid for about six years but it's easy to regulate. I broke my finger once but that's about it.
Do you worry about your appearance?
Of course. I suppose the fitness industry has made me very much aware of that.
Would you consider cosmetic surgery?
No way. I would worry about what happens a few years after surgery.
What's your diet like?
It really depends on the day, sometimes I'm rushing around and I end up not eating properly. I don't eat enough vegetables and hot dinners, but it's difficult with my kind of work. During the week leading up to games I would be conscious about eating properly.
Do you use alternative remedies?
Yes. I've gone to a homeopath and used various supplements from time to time.
What's your attitude to exercise?
Exercise should be part of everyone's daily routine. It doesn't take that much effort to take time out for yourself to do some exercise. Perhaps we wouldn't have such a health crisis if we changed our mind set to exercise and become more pro-active.
Juliet has captained Cork to two All Ireland titles in the past two years and runs a franchise of gyms in Cork called Ultimate Fitness.
Patricia Weston says:
Juliet is right, it doesn't take that much effort to do some exercise. If you want to get fit and are thinking of joining a gym, here are some tips to get you started and keep you motivated:
It may sound obvious, but choosing a health club near your home or place of work is a good way of ensuring you can regularly access it.
Do your research before you join up, ask for a tour and see if you can sample any of the classes on offer. There should be a variety of toning, aerobic and relaxation classes available.
On your tour observe the staff. Do they look bored or interested in their clientele, are they friendly or are they just sitting around chatting to one another? Do some members look like they're lifting weights that are too heavy for them or cycling backwards on an exercise bike unnoticed by the staff? Make sure you pick a gym where you observe happy, helpful, alert fitness instructors.
Check out the equipment, does it look dirty, sweaty or rusty? Have a look in the changing rooms and make sure they are clean and hygienic.
Does the gym have any convenient extras like a creche or beauty salon or sports massage on offer?
Take a look at the notice board; a well-organised gym will have lots of motivational events posted such as competitions or new classes to keep members enthusiastic about exercise.
If you get the opportunity, politely ask a member working out there what they think of the place.