Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Introduce us to a day in your life, while shooting and on a day off.
Ms. Tracey Birdsall:
Most of our shoot days are on location, so our days are very long… I like to think of it as a shoot day starts the night before by being clean, nails done, hair washed, no alcohol and a good nights rest. In the morning, a healthy breakfast, a good stretch (really important when you’re doing action shots), all as you roll over your dialogue in the back of your mind for the day. When you’re on set, it’s like a dance. I’ve been an actor for so long that I go on automatic with a director’s voice. I never question direction, or my physical ability, once the camera is rolling… the character just does it. At the end of the day, I load up on healthy calories, clean up for the next day, and often times take an Epsom salt bath and lather my bruises in Arnica gel.
On a non-shooting day, I’ll focus on three things: preparation for the next shoot day, a good nights rest, and training with Diamond (my trainer at the gym). Non-shooting days are usually lower calorie days than shooting days also, just common sense. Oftentimes non-shooting days are also family time, with a visit to my parents home as my mother has been suffering Alzheimer’s disease (of which she passed a couple of days ago.) I also like to watch a film at night, or if I need a good laugh… South Park!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprised your fitness regime or workout routine while preparing for the action film “Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter”?
Ms. Tracey Birdsall:
My regular routine involves heavy weight lifting with my trainer most days; however, I wanted to make some body changes for the film. I added to my caloric protein intake greatly, and really upped the weights to put on some muscle “bulk”. I also worked with a fight trainer to prepare for some of the scenes, which really increased my cardio immensely.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What kind of diet do you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Tracey Birdsall:
Most of my life I’ve been a vegetarian; however I do also eat fish, dairy and eggs. I focus on protein and on good fats, as my body and brain crave them. I like to eat single foods, or uncomplicated mixtures – oftentimes referred to as “mono” eating. I tend to eat almost hourly, or every couple of hours. The day might start off with a cup of coffee (always one), followed by a banana a while later, followed by a hard-boiled egg. Lunch is always something with an avocado in it, or a salad with avocado. Somewhere along the day I’ll have a protein shake, and dinner might be vegetables and a protein pasta or fish. I vary it, but I keep it really simple. I try to listen to what my body is asking me for, and I never eat sugar or soda.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
