Taking part in sport is a great way to feel healthier and it also helps you to make new friends, Cork hurler Tom Kenny tells Patricia Weston
What's your training regime?
I regularly train with Cork club and county - usually up to four nights a week - but I am a firm believer that one must get adequate rest also, so I like to have a few free nights in the week to relax. In winter, this usually consists of gym work or even some tag rugby.
So would you consider yourself fit?
Yes, I would consider myself very fit. Exercise makes you feel good and fresh about yourself and puts a spring in your step.
Have you suffered any injuries?
I broke a bone in my hand and in my foot some years ago. My only serious injury to date was a kick in my kidneys while playing u-12 soccer with Leeds in Cork City. I had to sit out sport for a few months but thankfully, no permanent damage was done and I could resume playing after three months.
Do you eat a balanced diet?
Yes. Because of my training regimes for the intercounty and club seasons, I must look after myself and ensure that all the different foods types are taken in.
Are you a stress bunny?
No, I'm a bit too laid back at times.
What's your attitude towards exercise?
I love it, it's brilliant. It gets you out and about and helps you make new friends. It makes you feel healthy and strong.
If you exercise on a competitive level, the rewards can be huge but on a social level exercise and sport are fantastic and always bring people together.
Patricia Weston recommends:
•Team exercise has many health benefits, both mentally and physically, and it's important to encourage children to exercise as part of a team at an early age.Team sports teach children to see the team as a whole, not just themselves, so they learn to be happy for other players' successes because they see how it benefits the greater team.
•It also teaches them patience and persistence. Whether it's showing up for practice early on a Saturday morning, having to sit it out on the sidelines, or doing the same drill over and over again.
•Children may learn valuable lessons from the team coach as a mentor. Sometimes, a child will respond better to an objective coach than they will to their own parent. And when children have early, positive experiences with coaches, they will continue to seek out and learn from mentors who can help them with school, jobs, and other interests.
•Team sports also enable children to assume leadership roles, handle conflict and manage their time.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.