Áine Ní Dhroighneain who plays Tara in TG4's Ros na Rún, tells Patricia Weston that her choice of exercise depends upon her mood on a given day
Do you exercise? I just got a dog and I have to walk him every day so that's a great form of discipline. I'm also a member of the local gym and I do yoga and swing dancing.
How often do you work out? I try to go to the gym three times a week but that varies from week to week depending on my schedule. I do a swing dancing class as many times a week as I can. I also do yoga at least once a week too.
Do you eat a balanced diet? I try to, but the acting schedules can dictate otherwise. I always make sure to have a breakfast though, as I can't function for the day without it and I'm a vegetarian so I am conscious of what I eat.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change? I would like to be a bit thinner and have bigger boobs - but wouldn't we all?
What stresses you? I used to be a teacher before I joined Ros na Rún and that stressed me out. People often think that acting is stressful, and it can be at times, but when you've got the beautiful scenery of Spiddal and a great crew, it makes working a whole lot more pleasurable.
How does exercise work for you? I always try to vary the activity. I don't just go to the gym; I take different routes walking the dog. I dance and I do yoga. They are all very different so I can pick and choose which ones to do, depending on what mood I happen to be in on a given day.
Ros na Rún airs every Tuesday and Thursday on TG4 at 8.30pm with an omnibus edition every Sunday night at 10.25pm.
Patricia Weston says:
• Swing dancing is a gentle, low-intensity activity suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
• According to dance instructor Eamonn Cunniss, "swing is fun, energetic and pain-free. It's also a great social activity."
• Swing dancing, along with other forms such as ballroom, the cha-cha and jive, has become very popular recently. "It's all coming back and it's massive," says Cunniss. "People want to learn to dance for their weddings and other social occasions and they love the slow intensity of it and the fact that it's fun, sociable and beautiful. Also, Strictly Come Dancing on the TV has added to its popularity," he says. For information on classes around the country, visit: www.socialdancing.ie
• 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.