Working in the entertainment industry you have to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready for any role. We sat down with Kenyan-born actor Dennis Mailu to learn how staying fit and healthy plays a big part in his successful career.
As a busy actor, can you run through your typical day?
My typical day begins with morning meditation or listening to a podcast by Eckhart Tolle or Neville Goddard as it is good to center oneself and align the mind toward a positive affirmation. Thereafter I work on emails, submissions, and an audition self-tape when I have that scheduled. Auditioning comes with being off book and memorizing so it takes a few days depending on the number of pages the script contains. In the late afternoon, I go to the gym. My workouts are pretty intense and by the time I am done I am ready for dinner. Before bed, I watch a movie before bed, or an episode of a television show as not only is it good fun, but it is important to stay abreast with what goes on in the industry.
What are some sports you enjoy?
My favorite sports are boxing and kickboxing. I do take regular classes as I believe the stamina and discipline that comes with them is unparalleled. I am an avid mixed martial arts fan and watch majority of the UFC and Bellator fights, and this fuels my impetus to train more. I also love swimming and trained in a lifesaving course. Swimming is easy on the joints and great to get a rigorous workout.
How important is fitness to you as an actor?
Fitness is very important as an actor. It is important to keep your body primed and ready. Our body is our instrument and that is what we were told in acting school, and it is evident in our work. A strong physique keeps you having endurance during long days on set and keep the repetition of performance consistent.
What do you do to stay fit and healthy?
I typically have a daily gym session that consists of a Push- Pull-Legs regimen. I keep the range of my reps from 8-12 to grow muscle and burn fat. A typical workout consists of burning anywhere from 650 to 1000 calories. I usually keep track with my Apple watch.
Tuesdays and Saturdays are my cardio/ HIIT days, I typically do my boxing and kickboxing classes then. Sometimes I hop on the air dyne bike pre-workout and coast for 10 minutes to get a bit of a sweat /warmup.
What are some of your favorite outdoor activities?
My favorite outdoor activities are mainly more relaxing and serene. I enjoy hikes to the Hollywood sign as well as trips to Santa Monica to be near the beach. The presence of water is very soothing and calming to me. Its one of my favorite elements hence my love of swimming.
Do you have any special dietary requirements?
I do ascribe to a Paleolithic diet. This mainly consists of a balanced diet to keep me satiated throughout my daily routine and workouts. I also supplement to maintain muscle mass. I utilize whey protein, creatine for endurance and glutamine for recovery.
Favorite cheat meal?
My favorite cheat meal will always be a double cheeseburger and fries. If I can throw bacon and avocado on there the better!
What does a positive mental attitude mean to you?
A positive mental attitude means being able to see the temporary state in a bad situation and having the resilience to get to a better place. Being able to see the good in every situation is never easy however there are always hidden lessons in every consequence we are put under. This needs drive and focused persistence to pull through.
How important is self-confidence to you?
Self-confidence is crucial as it showcases that you are happy to be in your own skin. To carry yourself with pride of heritage and self is key especially in an industry where being unique and bringing your diversity is important.
What’s one piece of advice someone has ever given you that you live by?
Live life to the fullest as it is a gift and enjoy every moment by being present.
Thank you, Dennis! You are an inspiration to all. How can people find you?
Thank you, people can follow my Instagram, Facebook or my website is dennismailu.com – stop by and say Hi!