Shape I’m In: Brendan Courtney

Brendan Courtney is having a big fashion moment. He has just launched an app, frockadvisor, with his business partner Sonia Lennon.

“It’s a genius thing. If you take a photograph of something you like, hit the word ‘one’ and it will notify all the local retailers. They can pick up on what you are looking for and check what they have in stock and send it back to you, starting a fashion conversation,” he says.

Moving to an online platform following their RTÉ hit series Off The Rails, the app is an instant way to hook up and get their latest fashion updates.

“Not only does it have a photocon for helping you to find a look, it also a customer service tool for independent fashion retailers,” he says.

Always pushing the boundaries, Courtney also works on a fashion show called The Cut on Sky TV, writes a weekly fashion column and designs for the Lennon Courtney collection.

Aged 40 and living with his partner near the Phoenix Park, he refuses to acknowledge his success to date.

“I’ll take a bow when I’m rich,” he says.

What shape are you in?

I was a fat teenager, so I came to fitness late. I was the one who forged notes so I didn’t have to do PE. Then I discovered fitness when I was about 17 or 18 and I started going to the gym. And then I became a fitness instructor for ten years — dance, circuit training. I did it in the evenings all the way through college — I studied accountancy. These days I’m a member of a gym, I do spinning, swimming and cycle around town.

Do you have any health concerns?

Like lots of other people, I probably drink too much at the weekends. I’ve also injured my back from over-training for years. If I don’t stretch my back I feel like a disc is going to pop out. It’s stress-related as well.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

My partner is an unbelievably fit underwear model, who eats six times a day and works out like a dog every day. He eats well all the time so I follow him. I don’t deny myself - I like a glass of wine or a nibble of chocolate or a bag of crisps.

I have coffee in the morning and fruit. Lunchtime is always salad. At night I have a nice dinner. I gave up carbs about ten years ago — no bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. Now I’ve started eating a little bit of brown rice, brown bread.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

My indulgence would be Thai or spicy food. My favourite is tum yum soup — it’s gorgeous, full of vegetables and fish and spices.

What would keep you awake at night?

Nothing. I would obsess but I don’t worry. I would obsess about work, about how I eat, my look. Recently I had a random audit by Revenue. I didn’t worry about it. Ten years ago I would have worried more. I’m quite good at talking myself down.

How do you relax?

I train — that would be my primary one. I am also very into a thing called stillness meditation. I have been for years.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, John Lennon and the Dalai Lama.

What’s your favourite smell?

The smell of warm milk on Weetabix in the winter and the smell of freshly cut grass in the summer.

What would you change about your appearance?

Lots of things and then none. As you get a bit wiser you recognise that your health is your wealth. That you are very fortunate to have an active healthy body — everything else is just geography.

When did you last cry?

I always cry when I’ve had a really bad hangover — I’m an emotional wreck. I did watch a movie recently that really moved me — The Artist. It was brilliant.

What trait do you least like in others?

Greed.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Impatience.

Do you pray?

No. I don’t believe in God but | do believe in karma.

What would cheer up your day?

Making someone smile — I just tell people they look well. What you give out comes back tenfold.