2002
Paige Turco Of “The Agency” Reveals The Top-Secret Routine That Keeps Her Strong, Slim and Sculpted
Tip: “The gym isn’t the only place to get a workout-try taking a hike or a bike ride if you need a change. The most important thing is to make exercise fun.” – Paige Turco
Paige Turco is serious about staying fit for her hit CBS show The Agency. “It such a physically demanding part,” says the Paige, whose CIA-agent character regularly takes on the bad guys in fight and chase scenes. Off the set, the thirty-something actress also known for past roles in Party of Five and NYPD Blue) keeps fit with a mix of Pilates, yoga, running and power walks. Fortunately, Paige a former dancer, loves to work up a sweat. “Endorphins feel great!” she says.
Boredom-Free Workout
- To stave off boredom and stay motivated. Paige mixes up her routine.
- Power walk for 10 minutes, run for 2 minutes; repeat walk/run for 2 minutes; repeat walk/run pattern for a total of 30-45 minutes (3 or 4 days a week)
- Training session with a Pilates instructor (1 hour; 1 or 2 days a week)
- Ashtanga yoga classes (2 or 3 days a week)
- Stretching (10 minutes a day)
- Pilates-style sit-ups such a teaser and crisscross 15 to 25 reps each; daily)
Paige’s “Special” Diet
A typical day starts with a breakfast burrito filled with egg whites, cheese and bacon, plus decaf coffee and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Lunch is a five-ounce serving of salmon or sea bass with steamed broccoli, lima beans or brussel sprouts. Dinner at home can include a salad with a steak as reward for a hard day on the set. When she’s working late, her favourite catered dinner is called “The Paige Special” – a deli sandwich piled high with roast beef, Swiss cheese, mayo and salt. Paige snacks on fresh fruit like strawberries, red grapes, watermelon and apples. She also drinks several bottles of water a day, she loves olive oil. “I drizzle a bit on almost everything-bread, steak, fish and veggies. I even put in the tub for a relaxing bath.”
Favourite Indulgences
Paige loves Nutella, a chocolate-hazelnut spread that can be eaten like peanut butter. “Sometimes I’ll just a dig a spoon into a jar or make a crepe with bananas,” she says. Other treats include a slice a flourless chocolate cake or some other chocolate dessert – “the sweeter the better!”
Battle of the Sexes
Knowing that she has to keep up with the guys on-screen is a huge motivator. “It’s a sure-fire way to get me moving,” she says.
Her Favourite Body Part
“My calves. It took years to develop them with dancing, and they’re still strong and shapely.”
How She Stays Sane
Chilling out with her cat, Abigail. “She acts more like a dog than a feline-she’s very loving and cuddly.”
Next Challenge
Mastering martial arts. “They have the same freedom of movement as dancing. And I like that martial arts combine mind, body and spirit by improving your focus and awareness.”
FITNESS MAGAZINE – December 2002 – Debra L. Wallace