The Reach Out: Joshua Malina
How does the actor on popular series like The West Wing, Scandal, and The Big Bang Theory stay active? Did the pandemic change his exercise routine?
Joshua Malina is a film and television actor best known for portraying characters like Attorney General David Rosen on Scandal, Will Bailey on the The West Wing, Caltech President Siebert on The Big Bang Theory, and Jeremy Goodwin on Sports Night.
Malina’s recent television credits include Inventing Anna, The Rookie, Shameless, This Is Us, The Good Doctor, Perfect Harmony, FBI: Most Wanted, and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.
He is a co-creator and producer of the Bravo series Celebrity Poker Showdown, and his film credits include In the Line of Fire, Bulworth, A Few Good Men, and The American President.
Malina co-hosts the weekly podcast Chutzpod! where he and Rabbi Shira Stutman “teach and learn, crack jokes, and argue with one another about everything under the sun.” Chutzpod! is “for people of all or no faiths, those who want to be inspired but don't want to schlep to synagogue, and anyone trying to live a meaningful life during these trying times.”
I reached out to Joshua Malina to find out why maintaining a regular exercise routine is an important priority for him.
How do you make being active part of your life?
My approach to exercise is to treat it like an appointment. I put it in my daily planner like a business meeting. That way, rather than waiting for inspiration to hit, waiting to feel like working out, I know that I have it scheduled throughout the week, and treat it like something I’ve already committed to.
Are you a morning exercise person?
The 25 year-old me would never believe it, but I am! I try to work out as early in the day as I can, not only to get it over with, but also because it improves the way I feel (and think) for the rest of the day. Encourage your endorphins, people!
When traveling for work or vacation, do you maintain a workout schedule? Do you use the hotel or local gym?
Well….I try to, but I definitely don’t work out as often when I’m on the road. I will take long walks wherever I am, and I usually throw resistance bands into my luggage, so that I can at least do a little strength work when I’m traveling.
Did your exercise routine change during the pandemic?
For sure. Before the pandemic, I was working with a trainer three mornings a week, which was great. I definitely dig deeper when there’s another person pushing me. When the pandemic hit, and the gym closed down, I was on my own. I started to ride my Peloton bike much more frequently. The online classes are a decent substitute for a personal trainer.
I also started walking a lot more with my wife and kids. We were all locked down in our house, so it was a nice way to hang out and get some exercise together. When it started to feel a little low-impact, we added stairs to our walking route.
Do you find that being active helps you with creativity?
Absolutely. We all know that exercise is good for the body. But science tells us that physical activity is also a boon to mental health, and I certainly experience it that way. When I am regularly active, I feel better, more connected, happier, and more creative.
While exercising, do you listen to podcasts, music, or nothing at all?
When I am exercising alone, I will often watch poker, or the least sophisticated reality television that I can find on my computer. But the ideal workout is a long walk and chat with my wife, Melissa.
Do you like to wear a fitness monitor to keep track of your step count and other health data?
I love my Apple watch! I don’t adore it as a fashion statement, but its utility health-wise can’t be beat. I like to keep track of steps, elevation, resting heart rate — all that jazz. And as a competitive person, I like that the watch kind of gamifies activity, allowing me to compare my exercise with friends and family.
What motivates you to keep active and exercise regularly?
I guess the prime motivation is to stay healthy, and feel good as I age. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that as an actor, I also hope to look as good as I can, given the meager raw materials I’ve been blessed with.
Is there a sport or fitness activity that you think you might like to try?
I’m hearing a lot about Pickleball. I enjoy tennis, and I love pickles. It might be the perfect sport for me.
Malina is one of many people who have chosen Pickleball as a “want to try” sport, so there must be something special about it!😀
Thank you, @JoshMalina
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