When I heard that Scarlett Johansson wears a skin-tight cat suit for her role in Iron Man 2 (in theaters May 7), I thought Ok, that's the most unforgiving costume on the planet: Must. know. her. workout. So, I called up her on-set trainer, Bobby Strom, for the details.
The key to getting Scarlett into lycra shape was to change-up her routine on a daily basis. "No workout was ever exactly the same because I didn't want her to get bored. I wanted to keep her in a place where she wanted to do more," he says. "I was having her do a lot of balance, coordination, and core work, but what she really loved was the strength training--things like pullups and kettlebells--and the idea of feeling and looking strong."
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And she's sticking to it. "The first day she freaked out because it was really hard," Strom says. "But by the end of the five months she had totally changed her lifestyle. She has eliminated salt, and works out three days a week, and now can workout with her husband, Ryan Reynolds" (who Strom also trains).
Here are four of Scarlett's go-to strength moves that you can do anywhere--no gear required. Do the moves one after another, rest for 60 seconds, then repeat the circuit.
T Push-up: Get in pushup position with feet together and hands shoulder-width apart. Lower yourself until your chest is a few inches off the floor. As you push back up, lift your right arm straight up and rotate your body to the right until you for a T, balancing on your left hand and the outside of your left foot. Return to the top of the pushup position and repeat to the opposite side. That's one rep. Do up to 5. Works Arms, chest, core, and shoulders
Split Squat: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides. Step back with your left foot, squeeze your glutes and S-L-O-W-L-Y sink into a lunge, taking five seconds to lower. Push back up, taking three seconds to return to standing. Continue the up-and-down movement for 30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat. Works lower body
Flamingo Extension: Stand with feet together. Bend left leg slightly and lift right foot off the ground behind you until right knee is bent 90 degrees. Bend forward at the hips as you extend your right leg behind you and left arm in front of you so your body form a T. As you do this, brace your core, squeeze your shoulder blades together, and engage your glutes. Return to start, and repeat for 10 to 12 reps. Repeat on the opposite side. * This move will be especially challenging if, like me, you have tight hamstrings. Don't obsess about straightening the back leg. Works back, core, glutes, and shoulders
Squat Jumps: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides. Lower into a squat then, as you come up, jump explosively into the air (you can throw arms up for even more height). Land with knees soft and sink back down into the squat. Repeat 10 times without stopping. Cardio and works lower body
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