Scarlett Johansson's Fitness Habits That Keep Her in 'Black Widow' Shape
Scarlett Johansson is known for portraying Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to rising to the occasion to play a complex character, the actress underwent a physical transformation for the role. So, how did Scarlett Johansson obtain her toned physique, a trademark of Black Widow?
In 2022, the actress confessed to Vanity Fair that she was "intimidated" and had "never stepped foot in a gym" when she was cast as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Iron Man 2.
"I was living in L.A. at the time, and I went to this massive, huge, muscle meathead gym," she told the publication."I didn't know how to use any of the equipment. I mean, I was so intimidated."
Since then, Scarlett, now 40, has worked with professionals to obtain and maintain her incredible level of fitness. Let's take a closer look at her top tips for staying in Black Widow shape.
Strength Training Is Her BFF
Scarlett's personal trainer, Eric Johnson, previously dished on how he helped the actress get ready to play Black Widow—and strength training was a major component.
"We treated the process like an athlete preparing for competition," he told Harper's Bazaar UK in 2019. "By placing more emphasis on her performance, her physique just followed."
During her exercise regimen, Eric had Scarlett focus on integrated foundational strength training that included a combination of "movements from plyometrics, yoga, Olympic weight lifting, kettlebells and gymnastics."
The sweat sessions kicked off with mobility work and then a "primer" circuit of lower-body plyometrics, core work, medicine ball throws, and dynamic mobility, Eric told the publication. Some of the actress' go-to moves include pull-ups, deadlifts, pistol squats, military presses, and kettlebell swings.
RELATED: 10 Celebs Who Prove Lifting Weights Changed Their Bodies Forever
She Is Incredibly Consistent
While chatting with PEOPLE, Eric applauded Scarlett for being "very consistent" with her exercise regimen.
"We go anywhere from two to three days a week when we're maintaining and up to five, six days a week," he said during the interview.
In fact, the mom of two is among the most dedicated Eric's brother, Ryan, co-founder of Homage fitness, has seen.
"Her work ethic is unmatched," Ryan told the publication. "She really shows up all the time. She's not afraid to get strong."
RELATED: Kaia Gerber's Trainer Shares Her Go-to 'Glutes Combo' for a Toned Booty
She Is Serious About Nutrition
In addition to weight training and consistency, Scarlett's trainer focused on her diet, making sure she ate enough protein and quality carbohydrates and fat.
"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," Eric told Women's Health. "Add in a hectic filming schedule and life as a mother and entrepreneur, there's a ton of 'stress' on the overall system."
He added, "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."
RELATED: 10 Sculpted Bodies of Celebs Who Do Yoga
More Recently, Pilates Has Been Her Go-To
Although heavy lifting was integral in getting Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow shape, she has shifted her fitness focus in recent years.
"I did weight lifting for a long time. That was my thing," she said during The Skinny Confidential podcast in 2023. "I liked lifting heavy and low reps."
However, she has since switched things up with an emphasis on Pilates.
"I think it's hard to lift heavy weights at a certain point. You just, your body reacts in a different way—the recovery is tough," Scarlett explained. "And so I started doing Pilates to try to give myself a break from some of the heavy weightlifting and I just fell in love with it. And now I do that most regularly."
