Actress Michelle Stafford On Taking Care of Yourself Inside Out

Michelle Stafford famously portrays Phyllis Summers, a role for which she has won two Emmy awards, on the CBS daytime drama, The Young and the Restless.

- By Charlene Bazarian

Daytime fans may also recognize her for her popular role as Nina Reeves on ABC’s, General Hospital. Stafford is also a successful entrepreneur, who launched her own skincare line, Skin Nation, and is a single mother to two children, Natalia Lee Stafford (age 10) and Jameson Jones Lee Stafford (age 4).

What may be surprising, however, is how open and relatable she is. The way she approaches life, fitness and nutrition is like chatting with a no-nonsense, best friend who you can’t help but want to emulate. She shares some great insight about how she juggles a healthy self-care routine with being a very busy working mom.

You are in incredible shape, what’s your secret?

I probably get asked this more than any other question, and while I take it as a compliment, the simple truth is that I don’t have a secret. When I eat junk and sit on my ass, it shows, and when I eat healthier, more nutritious foods and I’m more active, that shows also. It’s easy for me to gain weight, but also easy for me to lose it as well. It takes a certain amount of self-honesty to be aware of the connection between my behavior and when I feel my clothes feel a bit snugger.

What does your fitness routine consist of?

I really enjoy running outdoors. I also have a Peloton Bike that’s a great option for when running outside is not possible. I also created my own workout routine that includes planks and upper body moves for when I have the time. I occasionally go to the gym. I’m not obsessed with my workouts and, if I’m busy trying to balance my career and family life, I refuse to stress myself out over a missed run.