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<p>'Getting those abs? That ship has sailed. My mission has changed. Now I want to safeguard myself against bad falls.'</p>

people

Bernard O'Shea: DIY, rippling abs... just a few ambitions I’ve abandoned

Some dreams are worth chasing. Others are worth quietly shelving forever. Here’s my list of ones I have abandoned.

<p>Hard exercise and plenty of rest may seem like positive habits, but overdoing it can be almost as bad as not doing enough. Going the extra mile when it comes to a healthy diet and dental hygiene, however, can pay dividends. <span class="contextmenu emphasis CaptionCredit">Pictures: iStock</span>
</p>

health and wellbeing

Just a number? Here are the real causes of early ageing

<p>Brendan Byrne took up regular walking after his doctor warned that he was at risk of a stroke. Picture: Mary Browne</p>

health and wellbeing

'Walking has been life-changing. Where I am now compared to three years ago is chalk and cheese'

Ray D'Arcy: Exercise helped to keep me sane

health and wellbeing

Ray D'Arcy: Exercise helped to keep me sane

CLAIRE BYRNE

health and wellbeing

Claire Byrne: I have to exercise most days, or I can’t function

Back view, sportswoman sitting on mat and touching sore spine, suffering backache after physical training

health and wellbeing

Hands-on back pain treatment: 'Try to keep active if you have just hurt yout back'

'I was stunned by my diagnosis': What you need to know about protecting your bone health

'I was stunned by my diagnosis': What you need to know about protecting your bone health

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Although bone loss typically begins years before menopause, it's possible to strengthen your bones at any age

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026

Happy multi generational women having fun together at city park - Multigenerational female friends taking selfie after sport wor

Call for women to be good sports during outdoor activity week

The annual HER Outdoors Week aims to get more women involved in all types of sporting activities and adventure

Fri, 07 Aug, 2026

How exercising on Ireland's Greenways and Blueways can improve your health

How exercising on Ireland's Greenways and Blueways can improve your health

Discover the restorative power of our blueways and greenways as you reset, re-energise, and expand your horizons through accessible outdoor adventures this summer

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

Beach yoga: 'Reclaiming our connection with water is essential to our wellbeing'

Beach yoga: 'Reclaiming our connection with water is essential to our wellbeing'

Tap into the feel-good vibes this season by exercising outdoors. Esther McCarthy joins a beach yoga class at a local beach to get the lowdown on the Downward Dog

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

What World Cup stars Haalland and Messi can teach us about slowing down for better fitness

What World Cup stars Haalland and Messi can teach us about slowing down for better fitness

Pacing yourself is the new black in fitness — just ask World Cup top scorers Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026

How parkruns bring a wealth of health benefits — both physical and mental

How parkruns bring a wealth of health benefits — both physical and mental

More and more people are joining parkruns— and it’s easy to see why. You get to exercise, connect with your community, and boost your mental and physical wellbeing

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Fit with just five minutes’ exercise a day? I don’t believe it

Fit with just five minutes’ exercise a day? I don’t believe it

Everyone these days wants to optimise their workouts, but when a study seems too good to be true, it usually is, writes Devi Sridhar

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Low Section Of Woman Walking On Road In Mountains

How do I start running as a total beginner?

Taking the first step in your running journey is the toughest part, but there is a lot of support out there to help you get going

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Teenage girl tying shoelace of tap shoe indoors, closeup

Riverdance yourself fit: Why Irish dancing is gaining popularity for its health benefits

Irish dancing has become a global phenomenon thanks to a hit 1990s stage show. Back home, it’s enjoying a renaissance among adults looking to get fit while building a wellbeing community

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

The health tracker backlash is here, so ditch the data and set yourself free

The health tracker backlash is here, so ditch the data and set yourself free

A rebellion is rising against the dull, highly optimised lives big tech wants for us. It’s not a second too soon

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

Denise O’Donoghue was shocked when Whoop announced she was 2.7 years older than her age, but the app’s plan reversed it

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Senior woman lifting weights, maintaining fitness and health

How to start weight training after 60 and why it can slash your risk of early death

Two hours per week of resistance exercise can significantly cut the risk of an early death

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Balance Pilates set to open new studio in Limerick

Balance Pilates set to open new studio in Limerick

Founder claims studio, due to open on May 25, will seize on 'real gap' in the market

Tue, 19 May, 2026

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