Emma O'Driscoll, young people's presenter on RTÉ, tells Patricia Weston that she avoids the treadmill by taking dance classes to keep fit
Do you take exercise? I try to get exercise when possible, even if it's only walking home from work or taking the stairs.
What's your workout? I hate the thoughts of going on a treadmill all the time so I go to dance classes or just take a long walk. Or if there's a marathon like the women's mini marathon, I'll do that! I do try to exercise two or three days a week.
Are you fit? I don't think I'm as fit as I was last year but I'm not too bad.
Have you ever suffered a serious illness or injury? Yes, I'm very accident-prone. I've had minor injuries like breaking my wrist but my most serious injury occurred when I was four years old. I fell and fractured my skull during my first week at school. I spent weeks in hospital and was out of school for a few months.
Is there anything about your body you'd like to change? My feet. I hate them. I'm a size six and my two sisters and my Mam are all a size four. I'm like the big foot of the family and can't borrow any of their shoes. They can't borrow mine either so that's good I suppose. I'm not ready to chop my toes off just yet though.
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery? Right now no, I'm happy enough to stay as I am but if in the future something really started to bother me, I'd consider it.
What's your diet like? I'm fairly sensible about what I eat. I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and try not to eat too many takeaways. I love my chocolate though. I love to eat some chocolate or cake with a cup of tea in the evening and marshmallows. . .yum!!
Ever tried any faddy diets? I tried that Atkins diet for a week and it was awful. I had a terrible headache, had no energy and missed fruit, veg and potatoes a lot. I wouldn't do it again.
What does exercise mean for you? I think it helps you to feel good about yourself, and feel healthier too.
According to Patricia Weston:
Hip-hop dancing is a fantastic and fun way to keep fit.It's a high intensity, aerobic workout.
According to hip-hop dance instructor Jane Shortall: "It's an interesting, fun and easy-to-follow workout with no complicated choreography because there is no set strict way of moving."
Hip-hop originated on the streets of America. "It was taken from the streets of the States and it's raw and rhythmical because it's dancing from the soul," she says.
For information on Jane's classes and workshops around the country visit: www.janeshortall.com
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.