As a musical theatre performer, it is very important to stay healthy in order to increase your stamina and performance. Luckily, I had the opportunity to learn about this concept through a special blog called “Fit For Broadway”, which connects theatre and the materials needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. This week, I reached out to Jane Jourdan, the founder of FFB, who offered some spectacular advice for all types of performers!
SUTTELL: What was your inspiration to start your own blog about a healthy lifestyle inspired by theatre?
JOURDAN: I’ve always been pretty in-tune with fitness and health and how it affects my voice! When I first moved to the city I noticed the worlds of health, fitness, and Broadway collided a lot. For example, some of my favorite instructors were also Broadway performers or I was always seeing Broadway performers engaged in the latest health and fitness trends. I wanted to live that lifestyle (since it was what I was working towards at the time) which then expanded into sharing stories of people who are on Broadway about their lifestyles. I guess the idea really came from wanting to find more information about Broadway performers apart from their job on stage. I’m so grateful it’s turned into so much more than I ever anticipated.
SUTTELL: How do you make use of designs and clothing brands to spread your message? I’ve noticed you have an amazing website design and clothing line!
JOURDAN: I always wanted clothing that represented my interests, and was inspired by a lot of the fun graphic tees in the fitness world that had funny or inspirational phrases. I fused the themes of my blog- Broadway, fitness, and health- to come up with phrases that would represent the community I’m a part of. I love spreading some of my favorite messages that have been on the blog. I’m actually working on the outline for the next collection coming out in a few weeks… They’re some of my favorite designs yet!
SUTTELL: Are there any specific “healthy” restaurants you love to visit in New York, or any certain brands you swear by?
JOURDAN: Oooo definitely! I’m loving Indie Fresh right now. I’m there literally every day. No exaggeration. A few other favorites are Hu Kitchen, The Little Beet, Sweet Greens, The Butcher’s Daughter, Two Hands, and cookies from Peacefood Cafe are my favorite! Brands I love that support my healthy lifestyle are Liquid IV (a hydration supplement), Perfect Bar (protein bars), and I’m a big fan of smoothies and juices from the right spots!
SUTTELL: There are several ways to exercise that are fun and don’t require hitting the gym, such as barre, cycling, or yoga. Do you have any favorites?
JOURDAN: Yes! I’m obsessed with online workout videos actually. When I’m in New York, I’m a class gal so constantly bouncing around from different studios getting in my favorite workouts. I travel a lot though, so when I’m not going into a gym or studio I rely on workout videos. I love Body Conceptions, Body By Simone, and I take a jump rope with me always! I was recently visiting my sister in Alabama and didn’t have access to a gym so I just bought a jump rope from Target for about $5 and used it for my cardio every day! It’s probably my favorite workout tool at the moment!
SUTTELL: I’ve heard that you recently hosted your first Fit For Broadway workshop! Could you please tell our readers what it was all about and anything you took away from it?
JOURDAN: Yes absolutely! I’ve hosted FFB events pretty frequently in the last few years in New York and loved the idea of creating a full day workshop which pulled together a lot of the events into one amazing day. The idea of the workshop is that it will help introduce the Fit for Broadway lifestyle so we do a combination of workouts, meditation, mind body wellness exercises, and then have a Broadway component with special guest speakers and mentors. The Broadway Mentorship program is actually one of my favorite parts of the day. Everyone breaks into small groups and has the opportunity to speak and ask questions with someone who’s on Broadway! The Workshop is a chance to build your community in New York and meet new buddies who share the same interests too! The next Workshop is set for November 20th and the full schedule is being released today actually!
It was such an amazing opportunity to learn from Jane, and I found that she is such a joy to talk to. If you have any questions for Jane, you can use her contact form! You can also take a look at her blog, Fit For Broadway, or this video!