Namita Nayyar:
You shall be turning fifty this November and we would love to know your unique insights on the aging process has been a 90s sex icon and having the pressure of maintaining the perfect body for so many years, even when it was detrimental physically and emotionally. You have since raised several children and come to understand the physical and social issues with your body was at the center of your troubles while on Baywatch. Today you are an icon of grace, poise, and elegance. Kindly advise the women of today on aging with grace, beauty, and style?
Gena Lee Nolin:
Be patient with yourself. I feel like I am a work in progress. There are days I need to have a time out from everyone or else I’m going to lose my temper. It’s all about balance. I thought about turned 50 for a while now and I’d like to get it over with so I can get on with the show. It’s a number. It’ll be okay – I’m 50. I feel and look great. I inspire others to feel that way too. I’m a great mom and wife.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been a long supporter of charity work, you find time to work with a number of local and international causes. Throughout the year, you and your family volunteer at homeless shelters throughout the Phoenix and Los Angeles areas. You have gone on to raise awareness for mental illness with the ‘Imperfectly perfect’ campaign, supports Save The Children Foundation, and traveled to a Kosovo Army base to entertain US Army troops stationed there. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation named you the ‘2007 Honorary Woman of Distinction.’ As an animal advocate, you have done work with PETA on a campaign against the use of animal testing, as well as working with Remembering Wildlife for several years. How do you quench your thirst for giving back to society with these endeavors of yours?
Gena Lee Nolin:
It’s important to give back to your community. I have been blessed with some incredible things. I don’t think about it daily but every so often, I can’t help but reflect on my multiple careers, places I’ve traveled to, people I’ve gotten to meet throughout the years. I’m fortunate to have gotten more than a lifetime of amazing things and because of that, it feel it’s important to give back and help others make their own strides and accomplishments in life.
If something [a cause] strikes a cord with you – give. Give your time. It makes all the difference in the world. There’s nothing more fulfilling than making friends with people down on their luck. A smile, a conversation, something that makes them feels human and normal. That we are equal. I don’t believe I’m better than anyone and I don’t think anyone is beneath me.
Namita Nayyar:
You have done bold photo shoots with Maxim, Stuff, Playboy, and FHM. In 2001, you were listed as one of FHM’s sexiest women in the world. How you are so confident about your body and what advice would you give to others?
Gena Lee Nolin:
That’s come with age. I was never confident about my body throughout my acting and modeling career. I was constantly worried about my body – Am I skinny enough? Am I good enough? Do I look okay? Is my hair okay? It was to the point where I was manic about my appearance.
As we get older, I’ve aged. I’ve gracefully embraced my age and what comes with that. I think to myself, the best has yet to come. I look back at my 20s and I didn’t know what was going on. I never thought for myself or checked in on myself periodically. At this age, I ask myself what I can do with my time while I’m still here. That’s not an awareness you have when you think you have all the time in the world.
When we’re younger, we think we’re invincible. You’re in shape and hot. You don’t think about it.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Gena Lee Nolin:
I use cool tone, which stimulates the muscle. I also have my abs routine at least twice weak. Muscle memory is real.
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Gena Lee Nolin:
I love sushi, Italian, salad, mashed potatoes/gravy/meat comfort meal, and a good old fashioned butter cake.
I keep away from sugar (inflammation), pizza, soda, alcohol, and heavy carb foods.
Disclaimer
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