Mairead Coyne on Health, Balance and fitness

My name is Mairead Coyne. I am from a small village in Leenane in Connemara. I moved into Galway 5years ago and now I am living in Salthill. I played with my Gaelic Football Club Grainne Mhaoils and from that I played with the Galway Ladies Football Team’s from u12’s to Senior Level winning numerous Connacht Titles and League Titles. When the football season I was over I decided to play Rugby to keep me fit over the Winter that’s when I joined with Galwegians Women’s Rugby Club in 2013. From there I have won a Connacht Title and 2 All Ireland Medals with Galwegians. I also play for the Connacht Women’s Senior Rugby Team. In 2014 I was brought into the Irish Women’s Rugby setup and there I got my 1^st Cap for Ireland in the 1^st ever Autumn International against England in The Stoop. From then I have played in 2 Six Nations Championships and 2 Autumn Internationals featuring New Zealand, Canada and England. At the moment I am preparing for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Dublin UCD Bowl starting on the 9^th August.

What are your golden rules for staying in shape?

Hydration is key, keeping your nutrition on track, Mobility is very important and by exercising at least 2days a week.

What tips would you give to staying motivated?

Set a small goal, have fun when you exercise and treat yourself to something nice once a week (spa, take out, chocolate).

Best tips for finding consistency with workouts?

I find having a friend with me helps a lot and also taking it step by step.

What is your favourite exercise to do in the gym?

Leg Press

Name 3 foods you can’t live without?

Lasagne, Ice Cream and Fulfil bars

What would you typically eat in a day?

Breakfast: An omelette, poached eggs or weetabix’s

Lunch: Salad or a Wrap

Dinner: Chicken, veg and sweet Potato or Steak and veg.

This varies depending on your exercise plan for the day

How do you recover after exercise?

By going for a dip in the sea in Salthill or by stretching

How often would you exercise?

I would train between 5 or 6 days. 2 x conditioning 2/3 x gym sessions 1 x off feet (watt bike). It would really depend on the season that we are in.

Everyone in the Kingfisher would like to wish all the Irish Women’s Rugby team the very best of luck in the World Cup #Youvegotthis #COYGIG