Health Scan: Jane Mangan, amateur jockey

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
I think I have a normal lifestyle. I'm not overly conscious of my health but I don't drink, I don't smoke and I get a lot of sleep, so I think I'm above average.

How often do you exercise?
Every day. I ride out about six days a week. We go out at about 7.30am and I could be riding any number of horses until about 1pm. Other times I might race.

Horse racing uses every part of your body; your thighs to hold you up, your arms to control the horse. A lot of your balance is from your heel, which comes up through your calf. If you're riding properly, every muscle in your body is used.
Do you get your five a day?
Absolutely. I have an apple with breakfast. Mam is very good with dinners and there is plenty of greenery on the plate. I prefer fruit to vegetables, to be honest.

As a jockey, I’m fortunate I don’t have to be too conscious of my weight. I watch what I eat rather than monitor my weight.

Do you worry?
I suppose I do. But I think I have a laid-back attitude. If I let things get on top of me, I can get stressed, and stress is no good for anything. I want to perform at my best and if I worry too much, it will affect my riding.

What do you do to relax?
I do a lot of walking. It's a brilliant way to relax. I put on my headphones and listen to music and because I live out in the country, I've a lot of options of where to go. Riding can be relaxing, depending on the horse. I find riding out at home the most relaxing because the horses are usually our own and I'm on my own, so there's no pressure.

What's your unhealthiest habit?
I'm a chocoholic. I could eat it until it comes out my ears. I'm a sucker for plain Dairy Milk chocolate.

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