Adi Roche, executive director of the Chernobyl Children's Project, tells Patricia Weston that she walks for her mental and emotional wellbeing
Do you exercise?
I certainly do, I'm like a caged lion if I don't exercise. I need it both physically and mentally.
What's your workout?
I'm a walker. I tried the gym but it was torture. There's no privacy, in my opinion it's factory fitness. I like to get out in the air and I need to be solitary so walking is my exercise.
How often do you walk?
I'm a creature of discipline and I walk four times a week for an hour. I plug the radio into my ears and walk out the door. I don't believe in driving to walk. I prefer to use my own surroundings.
What does walking do for you?
If I have tears to shed I'll shed them while I'm walking. My mother died last January and I found walking helped me through the grief. I need it for my mental and emotional wellbeing.
Have you tried any other forms of exercise?
Well, I aspire towards meditation, yoga and Pilates. I have a bad back and my physiotherapist recommended Pilates. I also have a bad lifestyle because I sit at a computer a lot and my life is full of stress. I do try to do exercises for my back when I have the time.
What's your diet like?
I've been a vegetarian for 26 years. I include lots of soya in my diet and eat organic where I can. I eat a lot, I've a constitution like a horse and I could eat for Ireland.
Any food vices?
Sugar is my downfall. I have a very sweet tooth; in fact every single tooth is sweet. When I go out for a meal I read the desert menu first.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Pilates strengthens the muscles of the back, abdominals and buttocks - the core. Once you have a strong core you can reduce back pain and improve your posture and overall body strength.
Lie on a mat on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Stretch out your lower back by tilting your pelvis. Press your lower back into the floor and hold, and then tilt in the opposite direction exaggerating the arch in your lower back. Hold and repeat three times slowly.
• Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.