From Meditating to Scheduling Self-Care on Her Calendar, Here's How Paula Abdul Gets Performance-Ready
Aug 23rd, 2019
by Brittany Galla, Parade.com
Paula Abdul kicked off her new Las Vegas residency “Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl” at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino on August 13 and she’ll be the first to admit that being on stage takes work. But lucky for Abdul, dancing—something she’s done since she was just 8 years old—is still just as meaningful to her.
“Dance is one of the most precious gifts of my life,” she tells us. “I’m blessed to experience it in so much of what I do.”
In an exclusive interview with Parade.com, the 57-year-old singer opened up about how she makes time for self-care (hint: she has to schedule it or it doesn’t happen), how she stays in shape, mentally and physically, for the performances and more.
Performance prep
Lots of stretching—Pilates and yoga—in between performances and rehearsals! I also get massages and a lot of rest! Of course, rehearsal, mentally and physically, is a vital part of preparing to perform. Rehearsal is sacred because we come together for the love and sharing of dance. I also treated myself to InMode’s BodyTite and FaceTite treatments to tighten my arms and lower face, because I want to look as good as I feel when I’m up there on that stage.
Her fitness faves
I really love dance fitness. Cardio dance is great because it fuses so many dance styles—ballet, salsa, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary—with great cardio workouts. Pilates will always be one of favorites, too. It’s great for strengthening the core, for training the correct use of muscles, and for overall good posture. I love the outdoors, so walking the stairs and hiking are always fun for me. Every day, I accept that if I love dance and want to continue to do it, there are exercises I’ll be doing regularly to make sure that happens. After a hectic day with a full schedule, going to the gym isn’t exactly the first thing on my mind! However, once I’m there and I start working out, I get more energy than I had before I arrived.
Making time for self-care
I make time for self-care by SCHEDULING IT AND KEEPING THE APPOINTMENT! I have a rigorous work and fitness schedule and if I don’t block off time for self-care, it’s very easy for it to fall by the wayside. For me, self-care is listening to my body and resting, playing with my dogs, meditation and affirmations. It’s important for me to be intentional about what I’m thinking. What we think eventually becomes what we do, so I’m adamant about focusing on the positive, you know? If there’s a challenge, I focus on the solution, on what’s good.
Unwinding after a show
I like to get quiet, stretch, and meditate on gratitude. It’s my own personal gratitude practice that I do after a performance. I get really still and remember the whole performance. Then, I really let myself feel grateful about the entire performance, and everything and everyone that had to do with it: the gorgeous Flamingo venue, my outrageously talented dancers, our rehearsals, the phenomenal crew, the audience, every moment of the performance, and so on. That not only helps me unwind, it fills my heart and energizes me in a peaceful way.
Day off plans
I love getting together with my family or my friends when I get a day off. Getting in touch, visiting with them and seeing what everyone’s doing. A day off is perfect for a family barbecue or going to see a movie with my friends.