Actor and fitness guru Craig Ramsay on moving to the United States, his unique approach to fitness and running towards the fire.
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
Fitness expert Craig Ramsay’s first foray into television was Bravo’s “Thintervention” where he co-hosted with Jackie Warner. Then again as the stand out gay couple (with his husband – celebrity hairstylist Brandon Liberati) on Bravo’s international hit show “Newlyweds The First Year.”
His online series “5 minute workout anywhere” for Scripps Network gained him world wide recognition. Ramsay, 44, has also had a successful career on Broadway as one of the most well known “triple threats” and has appeared on sitcoms such as “2 Broke Girls,” soap operas, plays and feature films.
I’ve always understood the necessity for most people to be entertained with their workout programs and by their fitness expert, this is how I have uniquely kept people moving and loving their body and health journey.
In an interview with THE FIGHT the Canadian born fitness expert talks about the American dream, his unique approach to fitness and running towards the fire.
How was life growing up in Canada for a gay boy?
Growing up in an extremely small town I don’t think I, or the loved ones around me, could pinpoint that I was in fact gay—but the fact that at five years young I begged Santa for a cabbage patch doll and already named him and turned my room into a nursery for his arrival defined me as “unique” and challenged my family but they certainly pulled through with love and support.
What motivated you to move to the US?
I love Canada and proud of what Canada stands for but my dreams could only be reached with moving to America, this was always a goal of mine. Broadway, TV/Film and the city energy of New York, L.A, Vegas, Chicago, San Francisco—I craved that and it was more satisfying than I dreamed it could be. The original Pre-Broadway cast of mega-hit musical “Mamma Mia!” brought me into the United States over 20 years ago, and I built my American dreams off of that. I became a U.S citizen this past July because after 20 years here I wanted a vote and not just a say. I can’t continue to have one foot out the door every time a political challenge presents itself, there is work to be done and I’m running towards the fire not backtracking across the border.
At what point did fitness become more of a career goal?
I overlapped fitness and Broadway for a decade but there became a moment in 2010 where I felt I crossed over influencing and motivating more people with my fitness than my onstage performing.
Can you tell our readers about your unique approach to fitness?
I’ve always understood the necessity for most people to be entertained with their workout programs and by their fitness expert, this is how I have uniquely kept people moving and loving their body and health journey. I’m going to sing loudly to you before screaming for those extra sets. I get more out of people with my technique than your militant bootcamp drill sergeants. You will also do the workouts for me if you don’t want to do it for yourself, why? Because I am friends with ALL my clients and followers on social media. Except of course the Trumpers who harass me and my community, they can rightly f-off!
How has the pandemic affected your coupledom?
Thankfully this pandemic has brought us closer, we are not bookends, very different and compliment each other. He’s a hair cutting expert so I’ve been that one in a million during the pandemic that has consistently sported a fresh-cut. AND I’ve taken my popular fitness class “Stretch a Reason to Wine” #DRUNKFITNESS to my socials during this stay at home year and he’s been such a good sport about joining me as my assistant, like all my loyal “sip & stretch” participants Brandon’s flexibility has achieved shocking results. Anyone that wants to check out my free fitness classes on socials I can be found on FB “Craig Ramsay” & on IG @craigramsayfit.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I moved to Palm Springs this year and have a goal of sharing with you all how special this city is and I’m starting that initiative with hosting a virtual 5k walk/jog March 20th & 21st with a suggested $25 (or more $$$ if you can help) donation to participate, benefitting the official 10th anniversary of The Community Food Bank @TheCenter. This being a virtual event you can join us from anywhere. This 5k can be walked, jogged or if you are experiencing weather obstacles I’ll be creating at home exercising that is manageable and burns as much calories as the 5k, plus you can break up the 5k however you want over a 2 day period. Heck, even if you don’t want to do the exercising aspect we need your donations as there are too many people with food insecurities and these raised funds are necessary to provide these great services to the community here. Join this online community and let me show you some much needed sunshine and warmth that Palm Springs so generously provides.
www.justgiving.com/fundraisingCraigRamsayFit
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