Ros na Rún star Yvonne Ní Laife tells Patricia Weston of the benefits of a Brazilian martial art
Do you exercise?
I exercise all the time I don't own a TV so I attend capoeira classes, which is a form of Brazilian martial arts, five nights a week. Not only is it a way to keep fit but also a chance to meet up with friends and have a laugh.
Are you a gym bunny?
No, I used to be a few years ago but I found that I'd go for a few weeks and then get bored and not go for months on end. Now that I'm so involved with the capoeira classes I wouldn't have time for the gym.
Is there anything you'd like to have a go at?
I recently went on a snowboarding holiday to the French Alps and loved it, so I wouldn't mind doing some more of that. It really was a fantastic holiday. I'd also love to give scuba diving and canoeing a go. I really enjoy water sports as long as they are in the sea; I hate swimming in pools as I find the chlorine really irritates my skin.
Are you a healthy eater?
I would consider myself to be a healthy eater. I normally eat loads of fruit and vegetables and when I have the time I love making smoothies. However, I am human so I do have my weak moments particularly on a girly night in.
What foods do you love?
My all time favourite food, which is great anytime day or night, is toast with raspberry jam! It's so versatile; you can have it for breakfast, as a snack or arriving back from a hard night out.
Do you smoke or drink?
Well, I do enjoy my drinks, but I save them for the weekend and I have to admit I have the very odd cigarette! Mind you, if I have one it's usually in the very early hours of Sunday morning on my way home from the Saturday night before.
Is there anything you'd like to change about your body?
I am happy with my body as I do try to look after it. I wouldn't mind having a flatter tummy though!!
What's your attitude to exercise?
My attitude to exercise is that it shouldn't feel like exercise. I think the best way to stay in shape is to get involved in something that you enjoy. I firmly believe that your exercise should be a hobby; I just don't see the attraction of running on a treadmill for 20 minutes while staring at a wall. I enjoy being actively involved and challenged.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Capoeira combines dance, some gymnastics, fighting and self-defence. Not only is it great for improving your strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and cardiovascular fitness but you can also learn valuable self-defence techniques.
According to Yvonne, "It started about 500 years ago when the Brazilians were taken hostage and brought to Portugal as slaves. Because the slaves weren't allowed exercise they developed a form of self-defence and dancing to music. We spend our classes doing jumps, cartwheels and kicks to live music and singing along with it as well," she says.
It's an all over body workout suitable for all ages and fitness levels using practically every muscle in the body and focusing on the core muscles around the abs, and lower back.
You can burn up to 500 calories doing an hour of capoeira.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.