My Kind of Exercise

Andy McCloskey, presenter of Beat Drive on Waterford's Beat 102-103, tells Patricia Weston he prefers a good walk to the gym

Andy McCloskey, presenter of Beat Drive on Waterford's Beat 102-103, tells Patricia Weston he prefers a good walk to the gym

Do you exercise? I'm not a regular exerciser as such but because I spend most of my day running around. I get a lot of exercise simply because of the nature of my busy schedule. I am always on the go.

Are you a gym bunny? No, I'm not a member of a gym. To be honest, I'm not really a gym kind of person. I much prefer to get outdoor exercise. I love a good stroll on the beach. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable pumping iron or engaging in the art of aerobics to the style of Eric Prydz Call on me. It's just not my thing.

Are there any exercises you'd like to try? Well there is one on the karma sutra video that I wouldn't mind trying out. Does that count?

READ MORE

Are you a healthy eater? When it comes to my eating habits I try to stick to a healthy diet. If I'm honest, though, my diet is a real mix with a little bit of everything thrown in for good measure. Where vegetables are concerned I love carrots, turnips, peas and potatoes, although I tend to eat potatoes in the form of chips, which is probably not a great habit. To drink I love lots of water from the tap and milk. At the weekends, I love nothing better than a good Thai or Chinese take away.

Any vices? Yes, unfortunately I do smoke and I also enjoy a drink or two when I go out in the evening. It helps me unwind after a long day.

Is there anything about your body you'd like to alter cosmetically? Absolutely nothing, I'm fine just the way I am. I can't understand why so many people are opting for cosmetic surgery these days. And why do girls feel the need to get those horrendous tattoos? They look just awful.

Patricia Weston recommends:

Here are some quick tips on how you can sneak exercise into your busy day.

• Instead of e-mailing, phoning or sending something through internal office mail, make the trip and talk to the person or deliver the package face to face.

• Do an everyday activity at a faster pace and increase the number of calories you burn. For example, walking, taking the stairs, shopping or vacuuming faster than you normally would to raise your heart rate.

• When you take the stairs energetically skip a step and take two steps at a time.

• When you're seated driving or at your desk tone your abdominal muscles to help prevent lower back strain. Sit up straight and imagine your tying a belt around your waist. Tighten it as tight as you can by pulling in your waistline but try not to hold your breath. Hold for 10 seconds and gradually release. Repeat three times.

Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.