Zoe Salmon trying out a few different sports!
To help launch the new Active Kids scheme for Sainsbury's, Dancing On Ice star Zoe Salmon has spoken about how she enjoys keeping fit and active.
What new activity would you most like to try next?
I absolutely love dancing, it’s by far my most favourite type of activity. When I was growing up I did some tap and modern dancing and when I turned 16 I even did a year of ballet and although I wasn't very good at it I loved giving it a go! On Blue Peter I even got the opportunity to give belly-dancing and Irish dancing a whirl! So I'd like to try a new type of dancing - perhaps disco! The eighties is always going through a resurge so the next time it does I'll be ready for it!
What piece of advice would you give to someone about to try a new activity?
If at first you don't succeed then try, try again! If it’s new chances are it’s going to take you a while to learn it and get your body used to it, so be determined and tenacious. Your body may take a while to adjust but keep at it. It may be fun to start a new activity with a friend or family member because that way you can have fun doing it together and encourage each other through any tough times.
What do you enjoy most about getting active and trying something new?
I love getting active because it energises me and makes me feel fit and healthy which makes me feel really good about myself. I love trying new things because I love new adventures in life and seeing whether I've found a new hobby or a new passion and perhaps something that really could change me as a person, you never know! There’s no better feeling than finding a new passion - something that you really want to learn about and want to be good at.
What activities do you enjoy with your family and friends?
My friends and I love the outdoors and getting some fresh air! We love taking walks together which is a great way of keeping fit without actually realising it because we chat but keep up a good pace and before we know it we've been walking for miles! Also it’s a nice activity for the body, it’s more gentle on the joints than say running. Also since I've been learning how to ice-skate I've spent many an afternoon with my friends and family on the ice trying to spread my love of the sport - they all love it because like me they think it’s a fun way of getting and keeping fit.
What activities did you and your family enjoy together when you were younger?
We were a very active family and it was lovely to do fun things together. We would go for long walks or "Ulster Ways" all over Northern Ireland so we loved a good ramble or a walk in the forest. We also went swimming together to the local leisure centre in Bangor where I grew up. I always remember all six members of my family getting bikes and because we grew up quite close to a nice rural area we would set off cycling together from home and have cycling days out. My two sisters and I went to gymnastics for a couple of years and although I was never very good at it I really loved the leotards and giving it a go! My best friend Nicola and I went to tap and modern dancing lessons twice a week from when we were about 10-16 years old. As well as competing across Northern Ireland we also did the examinations. Dancing brought us together and today we are still best friends. My sister Naomi and I had once joined the gym together and although we both weren't too keen on the gym we encouraged each other to go to the classes (there’s always something for everyone), she’s always been a great support to my fitness!