Gardener Gerry Daly likes to be out in the open air when exercising and would never dream of joining a gym, he tells Patricia Weston
How do you keep fit? I run a distance of about 1½ to two miles once a week. I probably should do it twice a week, but for a good number of years I did nothing to stay fit. I played rugby up until the age of 38. When I stopped I didn't do anything, but then I started to feel very unfit, so I began running.
Do you get a buzz from running? Yes, and I find it very beneficial because I always feel the better for it. I run mostly on grass to avoid injuries. Sometimes I get the odd twinge but in general I feel great from doing it.
Ever joined a gym? No, I wouldn't ever dream of going to a gym because I like to be out in the open. I think you need air and you need to see your surroundings as you exercise. It's more interesting.
Have you ever suffered from a sports injury? I suffer from back pain from playing rugby years ago, but I find it goes away once I exercise. Along with running, I also do lots of stretching and do sit-ups and press-ups.
Do you eat healthily? I eat fairly healthily. I don't follow a rigid diet, but I certainly would be conscious of what I eat. I try to eat less meat, less fat, and drink less coffee. I cut out sugar and drink hardly any tea. I enjoy all foods except offal.
As a gardener, what plants do you recommend for health? There are lots of very effective healing plants and herbs you can grow at home in your own garden. I think aloe vera is great for treating skin irritations. Calendula is good for wounds and small abrasions. Echinacea grows in gardens as a herb and an ornamental flower. It's very good for boosting the immune system. Lavender helps keep midges away and is relaxing, as is camomile, which is a native wild flower.
There are many herbs you can grow at home that are very beneficial to your health. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, garlic and basil are easy to grow and very good for you when added to food.
Patricia Weston recommends:
•According to Daly, gardening is very good exercise. "There's a lot of bending and stretching involved which can be beneficial, especially for older people," he says. "It's not an aerobic activity because it's not high intensity."
•Gardening as exercise should be combined with an aerobic activity such as walking, swimming or cycling for a more complete workout.
•Digging, kneeling, bending over to pull weeds and using the lawnmower can burn up to 300 calories per hour if done continuously.
•Working in the garden is also good for the mind, promoting relaxation, relieving tension and easing stress. "It's interesting exercise because there is always something different to do; it's not all the same thing," says Daly.
•Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
• Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.