Gena Lee Nolin: An Author, Actress, Model, TV Personality talks about her Success Story

Gena Lee Nolin is an Author, TV Personality, Actress, Model and Healthy Living Advocate. Best known for her time on time on Baywatch, she is in production for the reboot and accompanying documentary due in late 2022. Gena’s foray into the world of health and wellness came in the form of her first book, Beautiful: Inside and Out, published by Simon & Schuster. It was an in-depth, personal look at Gena’s 20-year long struggle with a misdiagnosed thyroid disease, marriage, motherhood, and relationships. The book became a New York Times Best Seller and was rated the number one health book by Barnes and Noble that year. Gena is in the process of writing her second book. She has signed with Gerrish MedEsthetics as their spokeswoman in a four-year deal. Gena has become an international health and wellness through her social media channels for ‘Thyroid Sexy’ and her own personal accounts, with over 350k followers across Facebook and Instagram.

A long supporter of charity work, Gena makes the time to work with a number of local and international causes. Throughout the year, Gena and her family volunteer at homeless shelters throughout the Phoenix and Los Angeles areas. She has 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 Gena the ‘2007 Honorary Woman of Distinction.’ As an animal advocate, Gena has done work with PETA on a campaign against the use of animal testing, as well as working with Remembering Wildlife for several years.

A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Gena’s family moved to Las Vegas her senior year of high school. At the recommendation of friends, she entered and won the Miss Las Vegas contest. She quickly caught the attention of several modeling agencies, having won the Ford Agency and Elite Agency regional ‘Look of the Year’ contest and Miss Barbizon USA national title. As luck would have it, she answered an ad in the paper for the CBS’ The Price is Right and became a showcase model. Gena would go on to appear on Daytime series The Young and The Restless and Bold and The Beautiful. Gena would go from the ‘girl next door’ to the ‘girl seen around the world’ after she was cast to play ‘Neely’ on Baywatch for four seasons. She would go on to the TV series Sheena: Queen of the Jungle.

Gena has made numerous guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Howard Stern, Regis & Kelly, Extra!, The Sharon Osborn Show, and The Doctors.

Gena Lee is happily married to former NHL hockey player Cale Hulse. They divide their time between Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, raising their three children along the way.

Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Gena Lee Nolin, an exceptionally talented Author, Actress, Model, TV Personality, and Healthy Living Advocate here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, and her success story.

Namita Nayyar:

You were born in Duluth, Minnesota, US, and later moved to Las Vegas for your senior year of high school. Early in life you entered and won the Miss Las Vegas contest that caught the attention of several modeling agencies, you won the Ford Agency and Elite Agency regional ‘Look of the Year’ contest and Miss Barbizon USA national title. This propelled your acting and modeling career to the height where you have been at the top of the world as an actress and as a glamour model. Tell us more about this journey of hard work, tenacity, and endurance?

Gena Lee Nolin:

I knew at an early age I wanted to be in California. I had won a few beauty contests, but ultimately wanted to be on the west coast. At the time, I didn’t have any money and I didn’t know anyone there, but when you don’t have anything you have nothing to lose. That was my attitude. That’s what thrusted me towards LA.

Namita Nayyar:

You appeared on the Daytime series The Young and The Restless and Bold and The Beautiful. You went to become from the ‘girl next door to the ‘girl seen around the world’ after you were cast to play ‘Neely’ on Baywatch for four seasons. Tell us more about these exceptional years as an actress and glam diva of television?

Gena Lee Nolin:

I was actually cast on [CBS’] The Price Is Right as a Barker Beauty on CBS soundstage 33. Across from us was stage 31 which housed the The Young and the Restless and stage 32, The Bold and the Beautiful. As luck would have it, whenever they needed a model or actress, they would come over to stage 33 to fill spots and I ended up their go-to girl. That was my first time ever acting. My first scene was with Vivica Fox actually. I was star struck during the scene! My intent was never to be an actress. Showing microwave ovens and cabin cruisers felt like I had hit the jackpot at the time. I was totally fine being on The Price Is Right.

I didn’t have an agent when I booked my first parts. I got the show, then I got an agent, after that I became part of the union [SAG], and finally ended up Y&R and B&B.

Namita Nayyar:

You are a world-leading media personality, Instagram star, model, actress, author, TV personality, Healthy living advocate, and brand ambassador. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?

Gena Lee Nolin:

Time management is key when you have children just as busy as you are. You have to be mindful of everyone’s feelings and emotions. One kid’s hockey tournament is just as important as another one’s tournament. Yet I have to try to find my balance between work and parenting. It’s navigating around my kids. I’m at a busy time in life when everyone in my family is busy with their lives. The balance for me is taking time for myself. I need to give 100% in what I do.

Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?

Gena Lee Nolin:

I’m an avid walker. Could I jog? Sure, I might as well be. I walk faster than my cross country jogging friends. I also lift light weights and do Pilates. I think what you eat is the most important factor. It’s 85% of keeping in shape and staying healthy – what you put in you shapes what the rest of you will be.

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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness

Namita Nayyar:

Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Gena Lee Nolin:

Being consistent and fair; eating healthy, making good choices like eating your greens, sticking to portion control, having a cheat day. When I was strict on what I was eating, I found I fell into binging, which only made staying healthy harder. You have to keep yourself in a healthy balance. A cheat day keeps you from going overboard and from going crazy from craving the things you miss.

Namita Nayyar:

You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine.

Gena Lee Nolin:

I’ve been working with my Doctor, Scott Gerrish, MD, which has changed some of my habits. For the first time, I’ve started to use sunscreen regularly. Getting laser every few months. Hydro facials. Drinking plenty of water, especially living in a desert area like Arizona.

I also live a clean life. I don’t drink or smoke, I don’t party. I am a family oriented person, which has been key far as my aging.

Namita Nayyar:

Your book, Beautiful: Inside and Out, published by Simon & Schuster, was an in-depth, personal look at your 20-year long struggle with a misdiagnosed thyroid disease, marriage, motherhood, and relationships. This book became a New York Times Best Seller and was rated the number one health book by Barnes and Noble that year. Tell us about your journey as an author of happiness and professional success that you derived from it.

Gena Lee Nolin:

Being an author is a privilege. I feel grateful to help others that struggle with hashimoto syndrome like I have. If I could help just one person, I’ve set out what I set out to do. I mean that. With this illness, when you’re misdiagnosed for so many years; when you’re finally diagnosed, it’s liberating.

Being an author is one of the main things I’m proud of accomplishing in my career.

Namita Nayyar:

Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding girl in acting, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field as an actress?

Gena Lee Nolin:

It stems from having a good head on your shoulders and being aware it’s a job. It’s not glamorous at all. There are elements that are glamorous – you have those days you’re working with an incredible photographer and catered to. All in all, it’s a job. You have to take it seriously. If you want to take acting seriously, be prepared and be on time! Know what you’re doing. You’ll gain the respect of your colleagues, producers, directors, casting directors, studios. That’s what propels your career – your reputation.

Namita Nayyar:

You have become an international health and wellness spokesperson through your social media channels ‘Thyroid Sexy’ and your own personal accounts, with over 350k followers across Facebook and Instagram. Elaborate on this endeavor of yours?

Gena Lee Nolin:

I didn’t start my Facebook page for attention. It grew into this entity that took off on its own. When I started it, I just wanted support while being sick. I thought people aren’t coming to come to me; I need to look for people if I want support. I started to support the page and thought I could go under an alias – Thyroid Sexy. It was the least sexy name because that was the unsexiest I had ever felt. When I did that, women connected. It went from 1000 to 10000 to 20000. I just kept climbing!

If you keep being authentic and stay true to who you are, people will resonate with that. They don’t want filters. They want to see you. I think my time as a pop icon gives me a unique perspective to understand that.

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.

Namita Nayyar:

Skincare myths those aren’t true

Gena Lee Nolin:

Olive oil will make your skin soft.You don’t have to spend a lot of money of designer products when some drugstore products are just as good as or better than their pricier competitors.

Namita Nayyar:

Five athletic leisure brands you love to wear.

Gena Lee Nolin:

Lululemon, Aviator Nation, Alo, Nike, and Adidas.

Namita Nayyar:

Five travel destinations on your wish list.

Gena Lee Nolin:

Thailand, an African Safari, Australia, The Canary Islands, and the Great Wall of China.

Namita Nayyar:

Your idea of a perfect date?

Gena Lee Nolin:

My ideal date is a quiet, romantic dinner. A simple, intimate, dinner without anywhere to be, with a drink. Then go to a hot spring in our bathing suits. Just unwind and relax, chat.

Namita Nayyar:

Today social media plays a vital role in putting your message across to your followers and fans. What is your message for the 121k followers on Instagram?

Gena Lee Nolin:

Honor who you are and what you believe in. You don’t need bells and whistles to have a following. People put way too much into this. Just be yourself.

Thank you for putting your trust in me and finding my words helpful to your journeys. It means the world to be able to help others on their paths in life!

Gena Lee Nolin Social Media Presence

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/genaleenolin/
Twitter https://twitter.com/genaleenolin
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thyroidsexy

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness