GUEST EDITORIAL: The Essentials of Health and Wellness for Actors

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The Essentials of Health and Wellness for Actors

by Kevin Gardner

Although the public tends to think of actors as a rather glamorous lot of people, it is in actuality quite a strenuous occupation. Actors work long hours, sometimes in difficult situations.

For film actors particularly, remaining fit and physically attractive is essential to their career. Stage actors too must remain fit in order to fulfill the demands of the high level of energy they put out for multiple shows throughout a typical week of performances. An actor's hectic schedule and the demands of their occupation can make staying healthy challenging. If you've wondered how all those beautiful people stay that way, here are a few ways that they maintain their health and fitness.

Getting Proper Nutrition

Although the idea of having access to unlimited food at the Kraft table during a film shoot sounds great, the food provided is not always the most nutritious. For professionals who are looking for long-lasting energy and low-calorie forms of protein, getting the proper nutrition can be difficult. After all, most actors have a moderate income and don't have personal chefs waiting on them at home. 

Beyond following a diet that consists of plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean protein, many performers turn to some form of supplementation to make sure they are taking in all the nutrients they need without overdoing it on the caloric intake. An easy and convenient product such as the Thrive patch can be an ideal solution for a busy actor. Additionally, they may turn to nutrient-packed smoothies, salads and bowls.

Engaging in Frequent Exercise

People often feel that they too could remain as fit as the stars if they had access to personal trainers and expensive equipment. You should remember that the superstars are a very small percentage of all the working actors in the world. Most actors don't have access to unlimited funds and have to figure it out on their own just like regular folks. 

Stage actors, especially those in musical theatre, spend their days in long rehearsals where they are constantly singing and dancing. Certainly, the work itself provides some level of fitness, but in order to excel, they must build their endurance and strength with outside workouts.

Many performers take dance classes to perfect their knowledge of different genres of dance as well as to increase their flexibility. Running or walking is also popular with performers as it helps build the cardio endurance they need for their performances. For film actors, dance is also popular for the fact that it builds strength without adding bulk to the body. Other exercises that build lean muscle are popular as well including pilates and the more vigorous forms of yoga.

Guarding Their Sleep

Even the best makeup artists in the industry will struggle to mask the effects of exhaustion. Getting sufficient sleep can be a real challenge for actors who tend to work odd hours, but it is crucial to their health and their appearance.

Actors frequently use tools like sleep masks and blackout curtains to block the sunlight as they are likely to work late nights and need to sleep late into the morning. Many use noise-blocking earplugs or sound therapy to block out sound and increase the depth of their sleep. Sound machines that play sounds of nature as you drift off to sleep can be found online or in most big box stores. Sleep apps can be great as well and many offer a variety of tools such as nature sounds, ASMR, sleep stories and guided meditations. These are all simple and inexpensive tools that anyone can use to increase the amount and quality of their sleep.

Being healthy and fit is essential for actors. Their job requires a high level of energy and it also demands that they look good while working. Actors use exercise, nutrition and sleep to keep themselves going strong and looking great. They often need to be creative in fitting wellness into their busy lives, but they understand how essential it is. For actors, their bodies and voices are the most important tools they have. They make the effort to take care of them.