Golfer Padraig Harrington tells Patricia Weston how he keeps his strength up on the golf course
What's your workout?
My workout is based on stretch and stability exercises twice a day and strengthening work five times a week.
What exercises do you recommend for golfers?
Any stability-based work is crucial to all golfers of all abilities.
Would you consider yourself fit?
I certainly consider myself fit enough for my particular sport. Having said that, I am not fit enough to run a marathon!
Do you worry about your appearance?
Yes, I do. I always want to look the best I can while out on the course.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change?
Yes. My cholesterol. Mine is higher than it should be at 6.2 mmol/s, the recommended level is five or lower.
What would you eat in a typical day?
It does vary but on a golfing day when I am off early I would have fresh fruit, particularly pineapple and melon, porridge, scrambled egg on toast and orange juice for breakfast. Then I would have three bananas, three cereal bars, a carbohydrate sports drink and water while on the course. When I have finished I go straight to the clubhouse and have a full meal. I would then go out to practise, come in about 5pm and eat about half of what I had when I came off the course. I would then have dinner about 7.30pm where I tend to eat pasta or noodles. I avoid chicken or steak at night because I tend to eat those earlier in the day.
Any food vices?
I love chocolate and ice cream but I try just to eat half of what I want.
What's your attitude to exercise?
It is a means to an end.
Padraig is the face of the Flora pro.activ Cholesterol Challenge where he will be incorporating Flora pro.activ products into his diet in a bid to reduce his cholesterol.
Patricia Weston says: Here are some tips from Flora to help reduce cholesterol levels:
Eat a variety of foods, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and less fatty foods.
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Don't smoke.
Take regular exercise, at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Learn to manage stress.
pweston@eircom.net