Darina Allen, cook and owner of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry, Co Cork admits exercise may not be her first love but she is no slouch, she tells Patricia Weston.
Do you take regular exercise?
Not really. My life is fairly physical as it is. I'm on my feet morning till night because my job is definitely not sedentary. I do like to walk though, I'd like to walk every day but in reality that's not possible. I go hill walking during the holidays, in summer, Easter and Christmas.
What's your favourite activity?
I love walking, especially in the country. On holidays I go on five- to six-hour walks or hikes. Last year we went on holiday to Andalusia in Spain and went walking. I took a rucksack with a picnic. I take the walking slowly. I don't gallop off in a rush and never feel stiff afterwards, even if I hadn't walked in ages. I have to walk for at least an hour before I feel relaxed, then I really feel the benefit of it.
Are you conscious about what you eat?
I'm anti-diet. I feel very strongly about eating real living food, organic food and farmhouse cheeses, food that challenges the system and builds up your immune system. Not processed food. I believe we were designed to eat with the seasons and I think that strongly contributes to energy levels. Everyone should grow their own food, there's such magic in planting seeds and watching them grow. Food is also an important part of overall fitness.
Ever been a member of a gym?
No, I've never been to a gym and I honestly wouldn't know what to do if I joined one.
Do you consider yourself fit?
I'd say I have a general level of fitness. I'm fortunate in that I inherited my fit genes from my mother.
What's your attitude to exercise?
Whatever turns you on. I think it's important not to be sitting all day long. I'm on my feet all day.
Did you play sports at school?
I used to play a bit of camogie in the fields when I was younger. I was never very good at sports in school. I went to boarding school in Wicklow and we had to play hockey and tennis. I was never any good at hockey, I was never in the A team. I only played because I had to. I never was the really sporty type.
How do you de-stress after a busy day?
I find hill walking is a great way to relax. After an hour of walking I'm de-stressed. I value walking as a means of winding down. It beats stress and clears your head.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Hiking or hill walking involves walking on natural rugged terrain such as mountains and hills as opposed to concrete or grass. It's usually at a slower pace and over a longer period of time.
Hiking is a great cardiovascular workout. It's especially good for strengthening the leg muscles and can burn more than 500 calories per hour.
It's advisable to wear waterproof and warm layers made from natural fibres because you can experience several seasonal changes in one day as you cross varying terrain. It helps if you wear layers so you can remove or add a layer as your temperature changes.
Hiking/hill walking boots made from a lightweight waterproof material are necessary and should be well broken in before you begin. These can help prevent a twisted ankle on rugged terrain and thick socks can help prevent blisters.
Pack food and plenty of water to keep up your energy levels and keep you hydrated.
When walking downhill, bend your knees and lean forward so you can re-gain your centre of gravity to lower your risk of falling and help prevent undue pressure on your joints.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and pilates instructor.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.