Christie Clark (Carrie, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) has always been in tip-top physical shape, but these days she's a lot rougher, tougher and stronger than even she used to be — thanks to her unusual new workout routine.

"I'm taking Krav Maga," shares Clark, referring to the hand-to-hand combat technique developed by the Israeli Defense Forces. "It's great [physical] training and it teaches you how to protect yourself.

"I like exercising. I'm always looking for new things to do and ways to keep in shape," the actress explains. "A girlfriend of mine said, 'I'm taking Krav Maga. You should come with me.'" Clark, who had embarked on martial-arts training before, decided to take the plunge. "I had originally wanted to get back into kick boxing. I'd always liked kicking," she laughs. "When my friend suggested Krav Maga, I thought I'd give it a try. It sounded interesting."

Not that Krav Maga is about kicking. Unlike traditional martial arts, there are no showy moves. Instead, it focuses on response to danger — from guns, knives or physical assault. Krav Maga also transforms students into "hard" targets. "That's the great thing about Krav Maga. It is so much more than just kicking or punching. I'm also learning how to defend myself," raves Clark. "If someone comes at you to choke you or is grappling with you, it teaches you how to handle the situation. It teaches you how to fight back."