The Reach Out: Judy Gold
The comedian, actor, podcast host, and writer "loves" to work out, and is motivated by "the horrible feeling I get when I don’t exercise."
Comedian Judy Gold has performed stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central, and LOGO. She is the author of Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, and host of the weekly podcast, Kill Me Now with Judy Gold.
Gold plays the role of Chaya on Better Things (FX), and serves as a writer on the show. She will appear as Elizabeth Read on the upcoming series The First Lady (Showtime), and as Cassandra Kassell on season three of City On A Hill (Showtime). Judy guest stars as Sophie on Extrapolations (Apple TV) and has upcoming guest roles on Life and Beth (Hulu), and Girls 5 Eva (Peacock).
Gold’s comedy albums include Judith’s Roommate Had a Baby, Conduct Unbecoming, and Kill Me Now. She has written and starred in two Off-Broadway hit shows: The Judy Show: My Life as a Sitcom and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, and is one of the main subjects in the Hulu documentary Hysterical.
I spoke with Judy Gold about why exercise has always been a huge part of her life.
Is keeping active a priority for you?
I incorporate physical activity into every day. I love exercising, especially outside. When I’m not active, I really notice it — I don’t like how I feel physically or mentally.
I used to be a very dedicated runner, even though I’m six foot two and don't have the body of a runner. I loved the challenge of running against myself. I joined running groups and ran races for different causes. I ran the NYC Marathon years ago. I had a total knee replacement and I will be getting the other knee replaced soon. When I was out on tour, the way I learned about different cities was by running.
Were you (kind of) addicted to running?
I was obsessed! I was doing a New England tour. It started with a gig in Connecticut and the following day, I was to drive north for a gig in Massachusetts (and then on to New Hampshire). I had heard on the radio that a huge snowstorm was coming, but if I left at a certain time, I would be driving ahead of it.
I was so addicted — maybe to the endorphins — that I couldn’t imagine missing one workout. I got on the treadmill at the hotel and when I got off, it started to snow. By the time I packed up the car, it was really coming down. I got my run in, but it was the only time I’ve ever missed a gig!
Did your exercise routine change during the pandemic?
When the gyms closed, I started to exercise outdoors a lot. I’ve learned to appreciate walking much more as I’ve gotten older. I didn’t used to think walking was intense enough, but now I love it. I also did a lot of hiking, played doubles tennis, and swam (I love swimming!). And I got a Peloton and started using resistance bands regularly.
What motivates you to be so disciplined about exercising?
One big motivator, for sure, is the horrible feeling I get when I don’t exercise. Again, as I age, I realize how much I need to be active. During the pandemic, when I wasn’t walking or riding my bike around the city as often — or going up and down the steps in the subway — I definitely noticed it. I really missed doing that everyday physical activity, so I’m very motivated to maintain a regular workout routine.
Do you try to work out when traveling?
Even when I’m on the road, I need to work out or I won’t feel good. Having the Peloton app is great because I can do classes anywhere, including on a bike in the hotel gym. Being an Equinox member, I can use their facilities across the country.
Have you returned to the gym since pandemic restrictions have lifted?
Yes, and I am very glad to be back. Having the Peloton at home is very convenient, but I really missed all of the cross training I can do at the gym. Mixing it up with the treadmill, the Elliptical, the bike, and the rowing machine makes me happier — and it definitely makes my body happier! I also have sessions with a trainer, which is great.
Does being active help you to be more creative?
Definitely. If I have writers’ block, exercising helps to clear the slate. I also do a lot of learning while I’m working out: If I have an author coming up on my podcast, I will listen to their audiobook.
What else do you listen to while exercising?
When I was a runner, I would only listen to music. Now, I’ll listen to podcasts on topics that I want to learn more about, especially free speech. I will listen to This American Life and audio books. I love exercising, so I won’t listen to the news because it’s just too demoralizing.
Has exercise and fitness always been a big part of your life?
Yes, and everyone in my family has always been very active. My own parents used to exercise before it was the trendy thing to do! I regularly took my kids to Central Park with a bat and a ball, and we would invite anyone in the park to play with us. There's something about playing with other people that I think is really important.
My son plays college basketball now (I used to play a lot of basketball), my brother was a triathlete and marathoner, and my sister in law was a marathoner. Everyone in my family has always enjoyed exercise.
Do you wear a fitness monitor?
I just wore a regular watch when I was running, but when I was diagnosed with Supraventricular tachycardia, I got a heart rate monitor. My symptoms often occur while exercising, so it made sense. I don’t want to wear an Apple watch because I’m not thrilled about the idea of being connected to my phone on my wrist.
Is there a sport or fitness trend that you still think you'd like to try?
Yes! I really want to do Pilates. I have ADD, so stretching has always been torturous for me — it just doesn’t feel like exercise! I get impatient if I’m not breaking a sweat. However, after taking a Pilates class, I was very impressed. There was a lot of active stretching and I felt great afterward. Weightlifting also appeals to me because of the studies that show how beneficial it is for cognitive health.
When you aren’t exercising (passionately!), what are you up to now?
I’m doing a lot of stand-up comedy, so I’m out about four nights a week.
I’ll be performing at the Netflix is a Joke Festival on May 6 (Elysian Theater) and May 7 (The Greek — Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration).
On June 6, I’ll be at the Greenwich Odeum in Rhode Island, and throughout the summer, I’ll be at The Art House in Provincetown.
I’m also currently writing a one-person show and a series!
Some people enjoy exercising. Judy Gold loves exercising. No matter how busy she is (and she is very busy), Gold is motivated to keep active. Comedians may travel a lot and be out late, but they still find time to work out (regularly and passionately!).
Thank you, @JewdyGold
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