Brent Pope, sports presenter, Habitat for Humanity ambassador
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Yes. But like a lot of people, I do slip up. Quite often for sports people, immediately after retirement you tend to not want to see a gym any more, but now I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle.
How often do you exercise?
I have fits and starts. I have a gym at home and when I’m healthy, it’s about three times a week. Inevitably, I get two weeks into something and old rugby injuries, my hip or knee, will start to play up and I have to try something else.
Do you get your five a day?
My diet during the week is very good – I have a juice every morning with carrots, apple, beetroot or pineapple. I’ve learned over the years to get a good breakfast and then at night, I’d have steamed fish and vegetables, so my diet is fairly healthy.
Do you worry?
Yes, that’s my biggest problem. I’ve always been a worrier. I’ve suffered panic attacks most of my life. I find worry hard to control; I’d worry unnecessarily. It’s one of those things that’s hard to put a handle on, to others it would be irrational. I might worry about things that people would say, “God, what is he worried about?”
What do you do to relax?
I find relaxation in being quite busy. Apart from my TV work, I’ve opened an art gallery and I write kids’ books at night. My main relaxation is the movies – sometimes I’ll go in there and fall asleep. I love working with Habitat for Humanity. It’s nothing to do with halo polishing. I just like giving something back.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
Like a lot of people, I’d be great up to Friday. Then I go in to do the TV at the weekends and it’s eating on the go – white bread sandwiches and chips on the side.
Habitat for Humanity and the Brent Pope Rugby Legends Foundation partner with local communities in Zambia to build homes. habitatireland.ie
In conversation with JOANNE HUNT
