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The Biz Interview: Josh Neumann of StayFitAnywhere for The Spring Superhero Workout

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Good fitness habits are essential for everyone, especially entertainment industry professionals. Just ask Eli Roth (Hostel, Inglourious Basterds), who is on the record for saying that Directors Guild of America members have an average life expectancy of 57 years.

Josh Neumann of StayFitAnywhere is a local fitness expert who has trained actors for Tron: Legacy, Hellcats, and Little Mosque on the Prairie to name a few. Inspired by the fitness regime of actor Chris Hemsworth during his preparation for playing the title character in Thor, Josh created The StayFitAnywhere Spring Superhero Workout – designed to give anyone a fitness boost that could shape them up for the summertime and get them excited about a workout they can do at home.

We spoke to Josh about the StayFitAnywhere Spring Superhero Workout and what Vancouver entertainment professionals can do to keep fit.

What motivated you to create this movie-inspired workout?

I saw some still shots of Chris Hemsworth and he transformed himself to have a body that accurately represented the Norse God from the comic books. Thor is able to use his body and his Hammer to defend Asgard and I thought it would be great to create a workout that anyone he could do using their body and a single dumbbell, just like Thor would do with his hammer.

How does your workout compare to the training that Chris Hemsworth did for his role?

I had a chance to speak with Chris Hemsworth’s trainer, Duffy Gaver, and he confirmed that Chris’ training consisted of hard work, consistent effort, and good nutrition. The same is true for this workout, if you do it consistently while giving your best effort you will start to transform your body,

On the set, actors need to work for long hours repeat the same motions over several takes. What are some easy tips for them to improve energy levels and maintain concentration, balance, and flexibility?

It starts with nutrition, actors need to make sure they are fuelling their body with quality food. Just like a car you need fuel to move, eat whole unprocessed foods often. After taking care of food the next step is making sure you are able to move as efficient as possible so there are no energy leaks, which will cost you energy. Practice excellent posture as much as possible by squeezing your bum cheeks together, bracing your midsection, and sucking your shoulder blades back and down.

Nutrition is a big part of physical fitness. When film and TV industry professionals approach the catering table, what foods should they absolutely avoid and what are some essentials that they should make a habit of having regularly?

Avoid anything that your ancestors couldn’t have eaten 1000 years ago. Now that will leave you with vegetables, fruits, meat, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Of course you are going to be able to have a treat once in a while just don’t make treats your go to meal, instead go for fruits like blueberries!

What about beverages?
Water! Drink lots of it. Green tea is great, coffee isn’t too bad just don’t rely on it.

Many entertainment industry professionals travel frequently from city to city, based on the project they’re working on. Are there some basic exercises they can do in hotel rooms or on-set to stay healthy?

With a heavy travel schedule I would recommend picking up a travelroller and doing some self massage, check out our blog post for some specific methods for staying limber and mobile. Once you get mobile it is time to get strong and you can simply do squats, pushups, and lunges.

How often during any given week should they make a point of exercising and for how long?

Time is a factor for most everyone today and actors are no exception. In an ideal world 30mins everyday would be great but 3-4 days a week 30-45mins each.

Motivation is key for actors, writers, and directors in the creative process. What are some ways that they can get and stay motivated about their health?

Record your training sessions: what you did and how you felt after each session. Get a training partner so that you have someone to push you and someone to push yourself. If neither of these work hire a trainer who’s only job is to make sure you get your training done!

You have trained actors for TV and film productions in the Lower Mainland. What is your training approach?

You only have one body so you better know how to use it. There is no need for fancy machines and all sorts of supplements, humans survived and thrived for millions of years without these things. I focus on teaching people how to move their bodies in the most efficient ways possible and when you move your body well anything is possible.

Where can we find out more information about StayFitAnywhere and the Spring Superhero Workout?

Visit stayfitanywhere.com/springsuperhero and get quick health and fitness tips by following us on Twitter at @stayfitanywhere.

Thor is now playing in theatres. Our thanks to Josh for speaking with us.

Posted on May 2, 2011.
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