There is no question that being an actor is a lot of work. For some, it also involves a lot of working out. Theater Reporter Frank DiLella checked in with some New York actors who say staying in shape is part of their job requirement.
The film version of the erotic best-selling book "50 Shades of Grey" may be steaming things up on the big screen, but just a stone's throw away from the bright lights of the Main Stem, an off-Broadway parody of "50 Shades" is proving to be a blast for audiences at the Elektra Theatre on 43rd Street.
While the musical mainly pokes fun at the multi-million dollar property and its fan-base, don't expect to walk away from the show without seeing a little - or a lot of skin. That is where Alec Varkas and Daniel Bentley come into play.
I recently caught up with the actors at Equinox at Columbus Circle. Both performers say staying in shape is essential not just for this show, but for their careers as well.
"I probably work out about an hour and a half to two hours every single day," says Varcas.
"If someone in the room can sing, dance and act just as good as you - why not have the upper advantage of having a nicer body?" says Bentley.
After getting the low-down on how to be a fit working actor here in New York, it was time for me to actually work out.
Alec organized a mini boot camp for us, something that you can do at home. We started out with push-ups, moved on to squats, did some planks and then it was time for scissor jumps, tricep dips and finally some trunk twists.
Alec is no stranger to giving workout tips. In fact, the actor keeps a diary of all his fitness routines at corestrengthblog.com. He says, at the end of the day, whether you're a gym person or not, one thing is mandatory for staying in shape.
"I think the most important thing is to make sure that you are active at least for twenty minutes every single day. It doesn't matter what it is," says Varkas.
To experience the popular adult novel in the flesh, with many laughs thrown in, be sure to check out Alec and Daniel now in the 50 Shades! The Musical Parody Off-Broadway.