What was the best day of your life? I think it’s always fun to remember these moments when a familiar song takes us there. One of my favorites is the current hit single, “Best Day of My Life,” by the band American Authors. It’s a feel-good anthem with a catchy hook and positive lyrics. In addition to just passing Gold status, it has been used in numerous TV shows and commercials and is currently Top 5 on the radio airplay charts. American Authors has performed on the Today Show, the Tonight Show, Kelly and Michael (and subsequently invited back), and Conan O’Brien. “Best Day of My Life” will also be featured in one of the Winter Olympic Games’ highlight clips showing athletes having the best days of their lives. Since American Authors is signed to Island Def Jam, I have the pleasure of working with this Brooklyn-based rock band. Their new album, Oh, What a Life, will be available March 4.
Not only are these guys incredibly talented, they also lead interesting lives off stage. Guitarist James Shelley speaks several languages (including Chinese) and is planning to climb the highest mountain on every continent. He is just starting to organize his climbing adventure, and we’ve had fun brainstorming marketing ideas and charity tie-ins. When the band is on tour, James starts his workout with an hour on the treadmill and then 30 minutes of weight lifting. When he is training for one of his big mountain climbs, he prepares six months in advance. This includes a daily run of 4-12 miles, 30 minutes on an elliptical, 30 minutes on the bike and then 30 minutes weight training and rock climbing. He says that the best thing for preparing for a strenuous climb is spending time in the mountains for several days, hiking and rock climbing at higher altitudes.
Since their schedule has become very busy very quickly, the guys have had to learn to balance a healthy lifestyle on the road. Lead singer Zac Barnett is a big fan of vinyasa yoga and hot yoga, and practices three to four days a week when he is home in Brooklyn. While on the road, he goes to the gym every day. His gym routine consists of a 3-5 mile run, free weights, crunches, push-ups, and plenty of core exercises. “When touring, we rarely eat fast food,” he says. “Our tour manager is great at finding local cafes and restaurants that offer delicious and healthy options. We’re not always perfect, but we try to stick to salads and organic fish. We also try to eat at least one vegetarian meal a day. We motivate each other to make healthy decisions about our diets.”
Favorite vegetarian meal: Kale and Broccoli Chips
1 head kale, chopped with ribs cut out
1 head fresh broccoli, chopped with stems cut off
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
salt and pepper to taste
Put in the oven at 375 degrees for approximately 10 min or until crispy.
Lori Rischer is a music business executive, the KIIS-FM health and fitness spokesperson, and a yoga instructor. Rockstar Health & Fitness shares the healthy secrets of celebrities. Check out her weekly blog at: KIISFM.com keyword “Rockstar” or LoriRischer.com.
Lori Rischer is a music business promotion and marketing executive. In addition, she is the health & fitness spokesperson for KIIS-FM, a yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist. Rockstar Health & Fitness shares the healthy secrets of celebrities. Check out her blog at KIISFM.com keyword Rockstar or LoriRischer.com and listen to her workout playlist on icHeartRadio iheart.com/original/Rockstar-Health-Fitness.