Zoe Saldaña's Favorite Isometric Exercises for Full-Body Toning

It doesn't matter whether Zoe Saldaña's playing the green-skinned alien Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, tough ballerina Eva Rodriguez in Center Stage, or lawyer Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Perez—the Academy Award winner always looks toned. One of her secrets? Isometric exercises.

Zoe's trainer, Jason Walsh, talked about her workouts and shared some of her favorite exercises with Shape. "She trained for years as a dancer, so she really understands the body and the importance of it feeling powerful," he said. ""Zoe is always willing to put in the work. She stays motivated by her own goals and understands what she needs from her body. It is not about motivation with Zoe; it is always there."

Why are isometric movements so beneficial?

Isometric workouts are low-impact movements that fire up your muscles, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You hold one position rather than completing consecutive reps. In this way, your muscles don't change in length or size. Isometric exercises are a great way to get fit, preserve the strength of your muscles, recoup after an injury, and lower high blood pressure.

Let's get into the isometric exercises Zoe Saldaña favors and how to do them.

1. Hip Abductions

1. To do hip abductions, stand close to a wall with your feet placed hip-distance apart.
2. Shift your weight to the foot further from the wall, clasp your hands in front of your chest, and press the outside of the foot closer to the wall into it.
3. Hold the position for 30 seconds before returning to the start.
4. Do the same amount of reps on both sides.

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2. Deadlifts

Deadlifts are simple to do, but they make for a productive workout.

1. Bend your knees with your feet planted hip-distance apart.
2. Pick up a weight, such as a barbell or set of dumbbells.
3. Press your hips back as you lower the weight down the front of your legs. Maintain straight arms.
4. Rise back up to standing.

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3. Prone Hip Extensions

Another of Zoe's favorite hip isometric exercises is prone hip extensions.

1. To do them, lie on your back with your knees bent hip-distance apart and feet planted flat on the floor.
2. Place your arms at your sides, palms facing the floor.
3. Press your hips up, making sure not to arch your lower back.
4. Raise one leg off the ground, lengthening it into the air.
5. Hold the position for 30 seconds, repeating the same on the opposite side.

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4. Seated Trunk Rotations

You only need a wall to perform the seated trunk rotation.

1. Sit tall next to a wall with your legs at a 45 degree angle from it.
2. Raise your arms up to shoulder level and rotate them toward the wall before pressing your clasped hands into it.
3. Keep your core engaged, and hold for 30 seconds.

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5. Supermans

Zoe already plays a superhero, so it makes perfect sense that she'd do Supermans to stay in top shape.df44d9eab23ea271ddde7545ae2c09ec

1. Lie flat on your tummy with both arms extended overhead.
2. Activate your core and glute muscles as you lift your legs and arms off the ground, holding the position for 30 seconds.