Gianluca Russo
Being a performer—particularly a dancer—involves much stamina and endurance, requiring that we stay fit, healthy and in the best condition possible whether we have an eight show week ahead or tech for an upcoming production. Working out is hard, though. Working out in the winter? Even worse.
It’s so easy to wrap yourself in a blanket, grab your cuddle buddy and watch Sutton Foster in Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life until you gracefully fall asleep. Don’t fall into that trap, though! Sure, enjoy your Netflix these next few months, but don’t skip out on the gym. Need some help to do so? The cast of A Clockwork Orange is here to help.
If you’ve heard or seen anything about the current off-Broadway production, then you’re well aware of how ripped this cast is. Seriously, #BodyGoals. You too can be just as fit, however, if you follow their guide to staying fit for Broadway despite the winter tundra ahead.
What is your current workout regimen?
Jonno Davies: Well, what’s nice about doing such an intense show is that I don’t have to do much cardio! Currently I’m focusing on heavy compound lifts (squats, dead-lifts, bench press etc.) to maintain size, then adding more isolated exercises to add definition. If I didn’t continue to lift big, I’d lose a lot of size as I’m burning a LOT of calories doing the show. I’m also trying to improve my callisthenics work, so I’ve been spending quite a lot of time on muscle ups and handstand variations.
Misha Osherovich: I hit the gym usually about 5 times a week—mostly full body/core strengthening with a lot of cardio (I love me some cardio).
Sean Patrick Higgins: I usually keep a six day a week rotating schedule. Currently I’ve had to tone that back because the fatigue and wear and tear of the show taking its toll.
Do you find it harder to stay fit during the winter months?
JD: It depends on how you define fit. Do I find it harder to stay lean? Of course. What with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and just the general NY food scene, it’s pretty hard to keep the carbs under control. The important thing is not to worry about it. Enjoy your roast dinner, pile on the trimmings—you can make up for it tomorrow, just make sure you do! Make the most of the increase in calories and put them to good use, like going for a Back Squat PB.
SPH: Yes! I have such a sweet tooth and it seems to be exacerbated by all the wonderful holiday treats. I am especially a sucker for pumpkin bread.
Does your workout regimen change during the winter?
JD: Definitely, that’s when I usually try to focus on strength work so typically the reps get smaller and the weights get bigger. There’s something quite appealing about the simplicity of lifting as heavy as possible, sort of caveman-esque, but without the grunting.
MO: If anything, I ramp it up over the winter months since I’m not as naturally active during the day like I would be over the summer.
What advice would you give to people looking to stay fit during the winter when it can be much harder to do so?
JD: There are a few adjustments you can make. Drinking green tea is great for fat burning as it increases metabolism. The main thing is to find an exercise you enjoy, that way keeping fit doesn’t become a chore. Set some goals! I always find it easier to stay motivated when I’m working towards something; whether it’s for aesthetics or performance is up to you.
MO: Definitely push through the urge to stay inside and watch Netflix. We all want to do it! Especially when it’s miserable outside. But do yourself the favor and get over to the gym (or fitness class or studio or wherever you find your favorite workout).
SPH: Just getting to the gym or yoga studio can be difficult when is slushy and gross outside! Getting there is 90%. So do it! No excuses.
What are some of your go-to in-home workouts in case you don’t have time to hit the gym one day?
JD: I’m a huge fan of bodyweight circuit training; not only is a great way to burn fat and add muscle, but you can get a pretty serious workout done in only 20 minutes. Plus I find it a much better way to improve general athleticism than constantly lifting weights at the gym.
Try this as an example:
- Squat jumps
- Push ups
- Plank
- Burpees
Perform each exercise for 55 seconds, back to back, with 5 seconds in between. Once you’ve completed all 4 exercises, rest for 1 minute. That’s 1 round. Aim for 3-5 rounds for a gym-free pump burn. Head over to my Instagram page (@thejonnodavies) to see some of my workouts!
MO: I love me some high-intensity ab circuits at home on my yoga mat. Great quick way to get the workout in, and you can add some other body parts to the circuit as well!
SPH: I like to do 45 minutes to an hour of yoga, usually a simple flow. Then cycle through a full body circuit: burpees, squats, push ups, lunges, abs, repeat.
To see Jonno Davies, Misha Osherovich and Sean Patrick Higgins slaying the stage, head over to New World Stages to catch A Clockwork Orange before it closes on December 2. You can also follow them on Instagram at @thejonnodavies, @mishaosherovich and @sphiggs.
