Scarlett Johansson’s Trainer Shares How She ‘Integrates’ Yoga, Kettlebells, And Lifting To Maintain Her Toned Physique At 40—Plus, How Sleep Factors In
January 31, 2025 by Marissa Matozzo
Scarlett Johansson‘s workout routine is truly impressive, as evidenced by her toned physique. The Black Widow actress, 40, often works with trainer Eric Johnson, who is also the co-founder of Homage Fitness. The two have been working together since they met on the set of Ghost in the Shell in 2016.
It’s well–known that the Oscar nominee and style icon has an enviable figure, leaving fans curious about how she maintains her fitness and what specific techniques her trainer uses to keep her in peak condition for action roles. Johnson shared with Women’s Health the methods he employs to ensure the Fly Me to the Moon star remains strong, relaxed, and prepared for demanding scenes.
Scarlett Johansson’s Fitness Routine At 40: Her Trainer Explains How Yoga, Lifting, And Sleep Keep Her In Top Shape
According to Johnson, when it comes to his A-list client, he uses a regiment that involves "a hybrid of athletic performance, foundational strength training, functional hypertrophy, and metabolic work." The report notes that "hypertrophy" is exercising in a way that grows new muscle tissue, whereas "metabolic work" includes challenging conditioning exercises that push the body to fatigue extremely quickly.
Johnson told Women's Health: "I like to integrate various qualities from Olympic weight lighting, powerlifting, kettlebells, bodybuilding, bodyweight, yoga, and conditioning work." The coach also mentioned that he and the Lost in Translation alum believe setting performance objectives is crucial for consistent success. "Our training approach is dynamic and truly in tune with her state of being," he noted.
Johnson added, regarding the Today with Jenna and Friends star: "Whether that’s for an upcoming stunt that she’ll need to perform or a gym specific quest such as a pistol squat, we’ve found more success chasing attainable goals that are performance-based over a number on a scale."
He went on, adding that the mom of two (who shares daughter Rose, 10, with ex Romain Dauriac and son Cosmo, 3, with husband Colin Jost) is basically "in the gym every morning [when filming] to start the day." He continued: "but that doesn't necessarily mean we're going 100 per cent during each of those workouts. You could say we follow a daily undulating periodisation program, where the intensity fluctuates."
The trainer also shared: "'We really want to ensure that her body is able to handle the demand that will be placed on it. It’s rarely a one-cut scene but often numerous takes. She needs to have pre-requisite strength and conditioning to handle that workload without being injured or having her performance slip."
"So, my main goal is to take the physicality out of the job for her. Meaning, I want the physical stuff to be the easy part. That way she has the ability to focus on bringing her craft (of acting) to the role. As we get closer to actual filming, we aim to step up the metabolic work through more super and giants sets and more anaerobic conditioning."
Inside Scarlett Johansson's High-Protein And Healthy Fat Diet, According To Her Trainer
Regarding the Marriage Story star's daily menu, Johnson said: "Nutrition is vital for recovery. I can put together the perfect program but none of it matters unless Scarlett can recover from the demands we are placing on her. Add in a hectic filming schedule and life as a mother and entrepreneur, there’s a ton of “stress” on the overall system."
He went on: "Nutrition is one of the best ways to make sure she has recovered from everything on her plate – no pun intended. So, we want to make sure she is eating enough calories for this."
When it comes to sleep for the radiant and ever-so-glowing Johansson, Johnson explained: "'Stress management really is the x-factor. If we can incorporate a few strategies to edge our clients towards a more parasympathetic state (also known as the rest and digest state), that’s a huge win and will help immensely."
With that said, Johnson stressed: "It might be going for a leisurely stroll, incorporating bodywork (massage), breathwork, sauna or cold exposure. The importance of sleep can't be overstated, as well. The actual amount may be a luxury to some, so making sure the quality of sleep they get is vital."