Under the microscope
Former Test cricketer, Monty Panesar, 40, answers our health quiz
CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?
YES, I go to the gym three to four times a week. I do barbell exercises (a type of weightlifting) and machine weights. I also still play cricket as often as I can, for Twickenham Cricket Club. It’s very competitive!
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?
I AM vegetarian and eat loads of vegetables and pulses — the kind of Indian food I grew up with. I learned so much about cooking when I took part in Celebrity MasterChef in 2018. I didn’t win, but I surprised myself.
EVER DIETED?
NO, DIETS are not my thing. I am 6 ft 1 in and weigh about 14 st 9 lb.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU?
DURING the second lockdown I began a journalism course and had the whole year off studying. I have just graduated. I am now looking forward to the next phase of my career — writing and broadcasting.
ANY VICES?
I DID drink a bit too much at a low point in my life, around ten years ago, but now my confidence is back and I focus on keeping healthy.
ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?
THANKFULLY, my parents and younger brother and sister are all very fit. My mum cooks wonderful food: I’m sure that’s what keeps them healthy.
WORST ILLNESS OR INJURY?
I BROKE my ankle badly in 2017 during my first week rehearsing for Dancing On Ice. It took almost 18 months to get back to full mobility. It was horrible and sad not to be able to join the show.
POP ANY PILLS?
I TAKE fish oil tablets, glucosamine, vitamin C, and magnesium for general health and muscle recovery.
EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?
I DON’T think so, but maybe once the wrinkles start I might have to.
COPE WELL WITH PAIN?
VERY well. I think sports people are addicted to pain. We push exercise until it hurts; we chase the burn.
TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?
WHEN I injured my shoulder playing cricket a few years ago and suffered a tear, I had acupuncture and cupping, where a cup is used to create suction on the skin, increasing circulation and promoting cell repair. They did help.
EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?
DURING difficult times in the past I have been, and took antidepressants. Then I decided to avoid them because they dull your whole personality. Rediscovering my Sikh faith has helped me to keep a balanced perspective.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?
I CAN stay awake if I have a busy day ahead and I haven’t organised myself.
ANY PHOBIAS?
PEOPLE who aren’t open and truthful.
LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?
YES, but only if I could be king! n Monty in Pilgrimage: the Road
to the Scottish Isles is available on BBC iPlayer.