Soprano Virginia Kerr tells Patricia Weston her dodgy lower back comes from a childhood spent falling off horses
What type of exercise do you do to work out?
Walking and swimming would be my chosen exercises but it's not always easy to keep exercising when I'm on tour.
I find swimming necessary for my back because I have a dodgy lower back and swimming makes it stronger.
Do you use a gym?
No, I'm not a fan of working out in a gym. I get bored and I would much rather take a walk in the fresh air. I'm also not brilliant at doing classes or working out with groups. I walk or do my 20 minutes in the pool and find it really clears my mind and I'm exhausted afterwards.
Have you always exercised?
Yes, I could ride a horse before I could walk! I come from a horsey family; they have a bloodstock agency so I rode horses when I was younger. My lower back injury is probably as a result of years of falling off horses.
How do you treat your back injury?
It used to be much worse but I now have sports massage every week when I'm at home in order to keep it right, and it works. I also swim as much as I can wherever I am when I am touring.
Do you take supplements?
I don't take any tablets unless it's absolutely necessary. Herbalist Sean Boylan is a great family friend and he lives near me. I always go to him if I have a cold or need a tonic because it's all natural herbal remedies and I prefer the alternative route if I can take it.
His father used to treat Margaret Burke Sheridan when she had any throat or cold problems.
Virginia Kerr and Kathy Nugent perform in Diva La Difference, an evening of popular songs, musical theatre and opera with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the Helix on Saturday, October 14th.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Here are some tips on how to treat a back injury from sports massage therapist Karen Roberts:
Take up some form of gentle general exercise like walking or swimming to loosen the back muscles, especially if you work in a sedentary job where your muscles can get very tight.
Correct your posture; bend your knees when you lift an object and ensure that you are sitting on a solid, stable chair at work with your computer at eye level.
Ensure you're comfortable if you're sitting for a long time in the car and take stretch breaks.
Have a stretching routine you can do in the morning and after exercise.
Don't be afraid to ask your instructor at the gym or your massage therapist for specific stretches to help your back.
Take up Pilates or yoga to stretch out your postural muscles and tone and strengthen.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.