How My Characters Stay Active: Workout Routines Inspired by Grace and Friends

Photo by Nezih Kosak on Unsplash

When I’m writing, I love exploring the little details that make characters feel real. One of my favourite ways to do this is imagining how they’d spend their time outside the main story—like their workout routines!

In The Second Coming of Grace, each character’s personality and lifestyle influence how they’d stay active. From grounding yoga sessions to energizing runs, these routines reflect their unique journeys. Let’s take a look at how Grace, Tobias, Sigrid, Liam, and Evelyn might exercise—and what it says about who they are.


Grace Morgenstern: Finding Balance with Yoga and Dance

As a clairsentient actress navigating the chaos of auditions and emotions, Grace needs activities that help her feel centered. Yoga is her go-to, providing both physical strength and mental clarity. She often rolls out her mat in her small apartment for a quick vinyasa flow before an audition.

Grace also loves dance-based workouts. Whether it’s a Zumba class or a solo freestyle session in her living room, moving to music helps her release pent-up energy and connect with her creativity.


Tobias Michaels: A Classic Gym Routine with a Twist

Tobias’s workout routine is as well-rounded as he is. He starts with weight training to maintain his athletic build, but he also incorporates cardio and stretching to stay flexible.

As someone deeply connected to his Celtic roots, Tobias occasionally swaps the gym for a trail run through the woods, where he feels most at peace. For him, exercise isn’t just about fitness—it’s about staying grounded and present.


Sigrid Larsson: Polished and Powerful Pilates

Sigrid’s workout routine mirrors her image: polished, disciplined, and meticulous. She’s a dedicated Pilates enthusiast, drawn to its focus on precision and control.

For Sigrid, working out is as much about maintaining her appearance as it is about her health. She often posts perfectly posed photos from her sessions, adding a touch of glamour to her fitness routine.


Liam Russell: A Mind-Body Approach with Running and Tai Chi

Liam combines a mix of high-energy and meditative practices to stay balanced. A morning run through Toronto’s streets clears his head and helps him process his thoughts. In the evenings, he practices Tai Chi in his apartment, appreciating the mind-body connection it fosters.

Liam’s routine reflects his introspective nature and his desire to stay grounded in both his personal life and his studies in psychology.


Evelyn Turner: Graceful Strength Training and Morning Walks

Evelyn, as a retired psychologist and spiritual mentor, knows the importance of staying active at any age. She starts her day with a brisk morning walk, enjoying the peace and rhythm it brings.

Twice a week, Evelyn attends a strength training class tailored for older adults. The exercises keep her body strong and her spirit confident. For Evelyn, fitness is about resilience—proving that age is no barrier to living vibrantly.


Closing Thoughts

Exploring these workout routines gave me a fresh perspective on my characters and their personalities. Each routine reflects their individual strengths, struggles, and priorities—whether it’s Grace finding balance, Tobias staying grounded, or Evelyn proving that life’s journey is always ongoing.

If your favourite fictional character had a workout routine, what would it be? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear them!


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Naomi Vondell

Naomi Vondell is a Canadian writer of literary fiction with spiritual undertones, emotional resonance, and a touch of quiet humour. She lives in Northwestern Ontario, having spent most of her adult life in Toronto and the surrounding area. Her work explores themes of identity, memory, faith, and transformation. A lifelong storyteller, Naomi’s creative path has included acting, songwriting, and screenwriting. She holds a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and worked for years as a psychometrist before turning to fiction full-time. She earned her Creative Writing Certificate from the University of Toronto and studied screenwriting through UCLA Extension, where she trained with industry professionals—including a Star Trek: The Next Generation writer. Naomi is also a caregiver, a lover of Shakespeare and Buster Keaton, a fan of classic sitcoms and naval history, and a survivor of childhood bullying due to her neurodivergence. Her writing is shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep reverence for stories that reach across time. She is currently at work on a play (The Shell), two feature films (Going Global and a body-swap political satire), and a companion story collection titled Before the Light.

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