Antonia Kidman: On Yoga and sisterhood

Antonia Kidman chats to iVillage about her new fitness video, Antonia Kidman Yoga, how she stays in fabulous shape and her sister Nicole.

Why did you decide to make this video?

Sometimes it's hard to get to a class so to be able to do my class at home with a video is perfect. Kate Agnew is my instructor and I go to her classes. A class is only as good as the instructor and she is fantastic.

I also found that there are a lot of beginner videos and I didn't want that because I'd reached a level of competency and I didn't need a 'how to'. I wanted something which flowed from the beginning through to the end and didn't have too much talk or stopping and starting. You want a video that you can do regularly without having to listen to the same things over and I couldn't find that.

And you really follow the video at home?

Yes I do, I love my video!

How did you discover yoga?

Two years ago I tore a hamstring and I had to stop running and doing gym stuff and the physio recommended I did stretching. I'd already done a lot of Pilates but I was surprised as how tough yoga was because I'd always dismissed it as being quite passive and an easy option.

How quickly did you see results?

Once I started doing it three times a week I saw results quickly. I now normally do it five to six times a week but I'm pregnant with my third child now so I'm back to three to four times a week. You need a lot of abdominal strength for yoga but I find that's the first thing you lose when you are pregnant. I am doing a modified version.

Are videos a safe way for beginners to discover yoga?

I think you should use them as a supplement. Ideally everyone would go to an instructor and would have that level of attention but there's not that reality for a lot of people.

How do you find the time to do your yoga?

I do it early in the mornings. My husband, Angus, looks after the children. I am a better mother because of it. It's a matter of priorities. In the world we live in it's very easy to put that kind of stuff on the back burner.

How old are your children?

Lucia is four and Hamish is two. Lucia does a little bit of yoga she does what she calls 'her yoga' (falls about laughing). Hamish does too actually I've seen him do a head-stand! I'm like 'Whoaaaa, hang on a minute.'

What TV show do you present in Oz?

I present an entertainment show on one of the networks and a parenting show The Little Things on cable. It's about kids issues aged one to five.

Do you do any other forms of exercise?

I power walk in the park once a week and I'll go to the gym and use the machines another time but yoga is really everything I need in terms of toning and fat.

Do you get recognised in the park?

I do a bit but I do still have anonymity. It's a different kind of recognition, it's not invasive or means that I can't do what I want.

Can Nicole power walk in the park with you?

Yeah she can, she was just here and she would if she wanted to but she'd get more attention.

What does Nicole think of your video?

I gave her a copy of it over Christmas but I don't know if she's seen it yet. I've just got some more copies so I'm going to give one to my friend who has just had her fourth baby!

Do you and Nicole feel pressure to look a certain way because of your jobs?

Not at all. I work out because it makes me feel good. I haven't exercised today and I feel a bit sluggy. Basically I work out and I eat well. I like food, I couldn't bear dieting. Life's too short to get too twisted about how you look.