As a seasoned stuntwoman for shows like Empire and movies like Divergent, April Sutton is known to have an action-packed schedule every day of the week. While Sundays are still comprised of personal training sessions (imagine training with a stuntwoman!), they also serve as an opportunity for April to reconnect with and prioritize herself.
“Sundays are my way to exercise my spirituality,” says the Atlanta, Georgia resident. “It centers me for the upcoming work week.”
In our new series, “A Perfect Sunday,” we spotlight our favorite tastemakers and their ideal Sunday vibe, life advice, and beauty and style must-haves. Here, April Sutton shares her routine.
Wake-Up Routine:
“When I first wake up, I drink 12 oz. of room temperature water, take my vitamins, and start my pot of coffee. After that, I meditate and focus on positive affirmations. I want to set the tone for the day and know that I am in control and that I am worthy of great things and love. I also do a quick prayer and write in my gratitude journal. After that, it’s time to get to work. I check my emails, confirm bookings, and schedule my [personal training] clients.”
Morning Routine:
“I get ready for the day by applying a hot towel on my face for five minutes. It helps hydrate my skin and release any clogged pores. After cleansing my face with Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser, I apply my CeraVe Eye Repair Cream and a shine-controlling face primer — I love Neutrogena Shine Control Primer. From there, I start applying my makeup. I shape my eye brows with Milani Eye Brow Color and apply L’Oréal Coverage Concealer under my eyes. My foundation is Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Foundation. I use a rosy L’Oréal True Match Powder on my cheeks as blush. I then set my makeup with e.l.f. Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist. Next, I apply Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara so it doesn’t run from the setting spray. Lastly, I use Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm.
After applying light makeup for the day, I take my furry son, Pluto, on a walk. It’s important that I’m in touch with nature on a regular basis. There’s a charming pond next door to me that we enjoy walking around for 30 minutes. I teach my usual boxing class every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and afterward head to church — the 11:45 a.m. service — at Passion City Church. Sundays are my way to exercise my spirituality. It centers me for the upcoming work week.”
Afternoon Routine:
“I am usually working out by the afternoon. The type of exercise varies depending on my free time and the weather. If the weather is great, I am either doing a hike at Kennesaw Mountain or doing a full-body workout on my parking deck. I usually do intermittent fasting, and I probably won’t eat my first meal until about 2-1 p.m., or after my workout. I enjoy breakfast food any time of the day and I make a mean brunch. Egg white veggie scramble and paleo pancakes. I use Birch Pancake mix and have a secret birthday cake flavor.”
Evening Routine:
“By the evening, I am either working on an audition, mixing music, or reading. I sometimes catch up on the phone or Zoom with family and friends since they all live in Chicago. The distance has been a challenge, and my homesickness can be a distraction, so I try to anchor myself by staying connected to those who matter the most. Most cases, I get takeout for dinner. Either poke from Poke Burri or from Flower Child. I’m a pescatarian and they have a lot of great options. My go-to is the Mother Earth bowl with shrimp and their gluten-free lemon olive oil cake. So good! By the time 9 p.m. comes around, I am watching House of the Dragon and checked out.”
Bedtime Ritual:
“By the time I’m in bed I usually throw on Netflix and fall asleep to Seinfield.”
April’s Favorites
Walk us through your workout routine.
“If I am running low on time, I hit the StairMaster for 20 minutes, heavy bag work and strength training circuits for 30 minutes. If I have all of the time in the world, I’ll do 30 minutes on the StairMaster, heavy bag work for 30 minutes, and strength training for about 45 minutes, and then I stretch for 30 minutes.”
What is your relationship to your skin?
“My skin (I have an oily skin type) has improved since the pandemic. Simply because I had more time on my hands to improve it. I shop for skincare at Target. They have such a great health and beauty section. I love walking down the aisle and seeing what’s new. Because skincare is also about nutrition, I started making my own juices during the pandemic, which probably knocked five to seven years off my actual age. No one ever believes that I’m in my mid-30s, and a big part of that has to do with how I take care of my skin.”
What advice would you give someone looking to emulate your career?
“My career is so complex that it would be hard to emulate. With that being said, always operate as if you’re in your own lane. When you do this, you won’t find yourself comparing yourself to others’ endeavors — especially in the TV/film industry, which requires a thick skin since it can be discouraging at times. Having a ‘what’s meant for you will be for you only’ mentality will progress you further.”
What’s your most treasured item?
“I don’t idealize items, but I do treasure connections. The connection that has mattered to me the most is with my dog, Pluto. He’s helped me become patient, nurturing, and centered. Especially during the darkest hours of depression. Without him, I am not sure where I would be now.”
What inspires you the most?
“My past. I have to look back at what I have accomplished and been through in order to have faith in my current capabilities. At times, we tend to look at a closed door or what has defeated us at the moment. However, what I have learned is that I have conquered so much. If I have come this far, then what’s gonna stop me now?”
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