TV presenter Katriona McFadden tells Patricia Weston that despite eating a good diet, she is very unfit as she has never done any exercise, not even at school
Are you fit?
No, I am not. I've never been in a gym in my life. I'm just dreadful. I drive everywhere; I wouldn't even walk the length of myself! I'm seriously thinking of joining Curves and have made an appointment for next week because I live with girls who keep fit and healthy and I think it's about time I got fit.
How come you never wanted to exercise up until now?
I was just never into sports. I avoided PE in school and I never had to exercise to lose weight. I drive a lot for work so I have a tendency to do everything in the car; I even eat lunch on my lap. I clock up about 25,000 miles a year.
I think Curves might work for me because it requires only 30 minutes three times a week and I can use its centres around the country so it's not asking too much.
It's also women only so I can go looking bedraggled without my make-up.
Do you eat healthily?
Yes, I eat very well. I don't eat red meat, just rashers.
I became a vegan when I was 14 years old after reading books about it but that only lasted for a month.
I went back on the rashers last year. I eat poultry and fish and lots of pasta and rice dishes. I also drink lots of juice and have fruit for breakfast every morning.
What's your favourite food?
I love a rasher and rocket sandwich with real mayonnaise, none of your low fat mayonnaise. I also love ice cream; Magnum and Malteser ice cream are my favourites.
Do you think you're healthy?
I'm healthy from a food point of view; I just need to get fit. I'm lucky I never get sick.
Would you have cosmetic surgery?
No never, I'm happy with what God gave me. I don't think sticky out boobs, trout pouts and stretched faces are attractive.
Katriona McFadden presents Community Challenge on Sundays at 6.30pm on RTÉ One.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
If, like Katriona, you've never really exercised, follow these handy tips before starting a new keep fit regime:
Get clearance from your doctor before you start exercising. Have your blood pressure and your lung capacity checked.
Don't rush out and purchase the latest Spandex gear, just invest in a good pair of trainers with good impact cushioning and ankle support and change them at least every three months.
Start slowly and have realistic goals. If you're joining a gym, invest in the shortest membership term you can, like three months.
If you skip a few days or even a few weeks of your new workout, don't give up, start again from scratch.
Exercise with friends and family so you can motivate one another and try to make friends at your health club so you can make exercise sociable as well as healthy.
Fool yourself by telling yourself you're only going to work out for 10-15 minutes and you'll probably end up exercising for longer and get a great workout.
Keep your workout gear at hand at all times. Have a spare kit at work, in the car and at home.
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.