Kate Mansi proved a fearless force when the stunning actress took on the duties of an already established role on Days of Our Lives, but as Abigail Deveraux her portrayal of the mental health struggles this character faced on the hugely popular soap opera was one Wish her a well-deserved Daytime Emmy. w, Mansi, who also starred in "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Office Mix-Up," brings the most powerful version of herself yet in Amazon Freevee's "Casa Grande." In the series, actress plays Hunter Clarkman and tells M&F Hers that she's become "stronger, more uncompromising and bolder" since taking on the role.
We sat down with the girl from Calabasas, California to find out more about her non-negotiables when it comes to her work, health and fitness.
"I've always been drawn to stories about women dealing with things," says Mansi. "And this character that I just played on Casa Grande, Hunter, she's going through a lot of turmoil because of her past trauma." deals with current issues such as class, immigration and culture. Mansi herself is a born performer and was a dancer before finding huge success in Hollywood. However, to stay sharp in front of the camera, the star has made a list of non-negotiable things affecting her mental and physical health.
Kate Mansi loves the great outdoors
Growing up in a family that owned a cabin in the Sierra Mountains, Mansi was able to develop a passion for the great outdoors that continues to accompany her today as she navigates a busy career and busy filming schedule.
The actor tells M&F Hers that she always makes time for walks, hikes or rock climbs. "I've climbed Mount Whitney, I love being in nature," she says. "We were shooting Casa Grande in Petaluma and it was beautiful outside, no one was there, so I hiked a lot on my days off or in my free time and saw some incredible trails along the way. I'm a fan of new, adventurous things,” adds Mansi, explaining that her father introduced her to ice climbing when she was a child. “Ice climbing just adds an extra intensity to it, which I love. Ice climbing is a real exercise in mindfulness and presence.”
Kate Mansi practices 'flexible consistency'
As a busy actor's schedule is very erratic, can change at short notice and vary from day to day, Mansi appreciates that maintaining a constant number of training hours means being flexible in timing sessions. "When I'm not working, I usually go to class twice a week at 7am (where the workout is a mix of Pilates, dance, mindfulness and cardio), and then I try to go on Saturdays as well, and that's the way it is 'personal'. Then, if I'm working like yesterday and didn't have a chance to go there, I'll take an online virtual course. "
Kate Mansi loves to combine it with yoga
"It took me a while to get into it because I don't usually love the heat, but as a dancer I've always loved yoga. And then I discovered sculpt yoga that incorporates weights, and it felt like the perfect synergy of everything I love. You can feel this high intensity and I really like the flow.”
Storm Santos
When it comes to treats, Kate Mansi is more about 'balance' than 'caring'
Mansi lived as a vegan for some time before deciding that a pescatarian diet, eating only fish instead of meat, was right for her. Feeling the urge to deviate from her regime, Mansi gives herself permission to be in the here and now. "I've always been a little reluctant to use the word 'allow' in this context because it feels like it carries a connotation of 'good' and 'bad,'" says Mansi. "I tend to be more like, 'What does my body need right now to feel good, good, or full?' My favorite drink is something that doesn't have a lot of sugar so I don't have a hangover. I'm a big fan of mezcal (an agave spirit) and love 101 Cider Lavender Charcoal or Pulp Culture's "RELAX". It's sugar-free, super-shrooms and adaptogen-free, so there's absolutely no hangover, and since it's 7% alcohol, it packs a good punch too.”
Mansi always strives for balance. While treats include socializing with friends, they also include time to take care of yourself. "When I think of treating myself, I apply that to self-care with frequent massages. For me personally, myodetox (physiotherapy), acupuncture and cupping are the most relaxing forms of well-being,” she says. Balancing life and fitness has also allowed Mansi to enjoy her moments in the gym more and not push herself as much as she did when she was younger.
"I think what's changed is that the way I approach everything, I ask myself, 'Why are you doing what you're doing?'" w Mansi has the goal in mind, rather than training out of fear or duty. "I always love it when people underestimate you," she says. "Because it just gives you that fire, and I feel that about myself, and I felt that a lot about Hunter too."
Watch Kate Mansi as Hunter Clarkman in Casa Grande streaming now on Amazon Freevee.
