Ever wonder what fuels a guitar shredder's energy? Nita Strauss, the phenomenal axe-wielder for Alice Cooper, recently shared a glimpse into her workout routine, revealing some surprising details about her fitness regime.
During a chat with Ramona Fernandez of Gym Rock Crew, Nita opened up about her exercise habits. For cardio, she turns to audiobooks and podcasts to combat the tedium, a relatable struggle for many! But when it comes to lifting, the music shifts gears. Nita blasts rock and metal, often relying on Spotify's daily mixes to discover fresh tracks. Think melodic death metal bands like SOILWORK and AT THE GATES – a far cry from the typical pop anthems! And, every so often, she injects some upbeat '90s rock like SUBLIME into the mix.
When asked about her favorite exercises, Nita enthusiastically mentioned leg day. She loves training her legs, focusing on hinge movements like deadlifts and hip thrusts due to a knee injury.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little vulnerable. Nita confessed to struggling with upper-body exercises, particularly pull-ups. She admits to not being able to do even a single bodyweight pull-up, a 'secret shame' for her. She attributes this, in part, to protecting her fingers as a guitarist.
And this is the part most people miss... Nita's journey extends beyond the gym. In 2019, she launched Body Shred, a fitness challenge aimed at musicians and music fans, demonstrating her commitment to overall well-being.
Back in 2015, Nita experienced a significant transformation, losing 50 pounds and embracing sobriety while on tour. She revealed that cutting out alcohol was a major factor in her weight loss. She shared how alcohol was a social crutch, helping her connect with others.
Interestingly, it was Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe who offered support and guidance when Nita decided to get sober. This highlights the importance of seeking help and finding positive influences. Nita emphasizes the power of self-control, stating that nothing should control you but yourself.
In other exciting news, Nita and her husband and manager, Josh Villalta, are expecting their first child! The couple married in May 2024 at The Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles, California. The wedding was a star-studded event, with guests including Alice Cooper, David Draiman, and Demi Lovato. Josh proposed to Nita during the record-release party for her solo album, "The Call Of The Void", on July 6, 2023. They met back in 2011, introduced by Mike Taft.
What do you think? Are you surprised by Nita's workout playlist? Do you agree that upper-body exercises can be challenging? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
