Dancer Justine Doswell tells Patricia Weston her one-year-old takes up a lot of time formerly given over to exercise.
What's your exercise routine like?
When in rehearsals, I take a dance class in the mornings and basically keep moving till 6pm. When I'm not working, my one-year-old Sophie keeps me very active. Before her birth I attended the gym at least three times a week but there aren't enough hours in the day now.
Would you consider yourself fit?
Yes, I would and my husband keeps telling I'm fit too.
Do you worry about your appearance?
I don't have the time, but how do I look?
Is there anything about your body you would like to change?
My bum and my stretch marks and I feel I'm not alone in that.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?
No, I'm too squeamish.
Do you follow a balanced diet?
Yes I do, but I'm more flexible now since I believe that life is too short and men like something to hold on to.
Ever tried any faddy diets?
They're a thing of the past for me. I now believe in maintaining a well-balanced diet and giving in to your desires once in a while.
What stresses you?
Trying to fit everything into a day and keep up without affecting Sophie.
Have you suffered any serious illnesses or injuries?
No, just the usual injuries that dancers experience like, twisted ankles, strained muscles and inflamed joints. It's part of the territory I suppose, but in general I consider myself lucky and in good health.
What's your attitude towards exercise?
It's essential and has many forms, so taking a salsa class shouldn't seem so unappealing. Variety is the spice of life.
Justine will perform in the Irish Modern Dance Theatre's new production The White Piece at Project, Dublin from August 24th to 27th and on a national tour until September 9th.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Dancing is an expressive and fun way to keep fit, it'll keep you lithe, toned and improve your posture. You can burn an average 350 calories per hour dancing.
Take a break from your usual circuit of cardio and weight machines at the gym and try out a dance class.
There are a wide variety of dance classes on offer, from Brazilian Capoeira, Latin Salsa, modern hip-hop, belly dancing and ballroom dancing.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.