Soap Hub’s Wellness Wednesday: How GH’s Maurice Benard Stays Fit

During the pandemic, Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, like many others, has had to readjust how he incorporated exercise and wellness into his life. The two-time Daytime Emmy winner spoke to Soap Hub for this week’s installment of Wellness Wednesday to shed light on what he did — and does — to stay fit.

Maurice Benard Talks Mental And Physical Wellness

The GH star has had to be in top shape when Benard has played out some physically demanding scenes whether he’s Sonny Corinthos or his alter-ego “Mike,” who is suffering from amnesia. Read on for some insights from Benard on having both a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Can you talk about the connection between mental and physical wellness?
Any physical activity [helps]. I had a tough day recently so I decided to go on a hike. I like to walk and then, I sprint. I go alone when I hike and I play music in my ears. I love it. I eat afterwards. You gotta.

You’re a big boxing fan and have had Mia St. John on your show State of Mind; do you still box?
I actually haven’t boxed since the pandemic. It was tough. I’m sure a lot of people changed what they did because of the pandemic. I love boxing. Nothing feels better. I lift weights. I do other things. It’s very important for your mental health to do something physical. I do pushups. I’ve got this thing now. It’s called Nucleus Central Core. It’s a 12 to 14-minute workout. It works your core.

How are you on water?
I know you have to but I don’t drink enough. You have to though. Especially when you’re doing [a] diet.

What about diet? Some people are trying intermittent fasting. Have you?
I just eat well and I try not to eat too much. I tried intermittent fasting for a while. But my problem with it was I had to eat so much within a given time frame [the time that you’re not fasting]. I don’t like feeling that full so it’s really not good for me to get that full. I just don’t eat that much.

Do you think it’s a good idea to try something – and if it works for you, keep it. And if it doesn’t, then try something else.
Yes, I do. I tried the intermittent fasting and found it wasn’t for me – but it might for other people. You figure it out and you find out what works for you.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.