Zoe Saldana recently adjusted her approach to physical conditioning. After two decades of prioritizing Pilates, she transitioned to weight training in her 40s to address changing bodily needs. Working with coach Elena Ferretti, she now incorporates strength training to maintain fitness for both her family life and her demanding role as a CIA operative in the action series Lioness.
The philosophy behind her new regimen centers on consistency over perfection. Saldana often completes her workouts before her family wakes, typically starting between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m. This early start allows her to secure time for herself before the responsibilities of the day begin. Her coach emphasizes that sessions do not require a perfect environment or extended time frames to be effective.
Her current routine features six movements designed to build strength without the need for complex gym machines. These exercises include elevated dumbbell sumo squats, kettlebell curtsy lunges, curtsy lunge pulses, single-leg banded glute bridges, dumbbell bicep curls, and dumbbell tricep presses. By focusing on these specific movements, Saldana manages to integrate strength work into a schedule defined by travel, filming commitments, and parenting. The shift illustrates a broader trend of women in their 40s rediscovering the benefits of resistance training for long-term health.