These Hollywood actresses are household names, and we chose them to motivate everyone to be the healthiest and fittest versions of themselves. These leading ladies train just as hard as their male counterparts and deserve the credit! They are all strong, healthy, and active role models to young women, which they’ve attained through hard work. Although every body type is different, and we recognize that, we hope these Hollywood stars encourage you all to find your optimal fitness level.
We have been making lists of the Top 10 Fittest Hollywood Actresses for several years now and continue our legacy with this new list. The HFR institute first compiled a list of the most popular 100 actresses and did research on all of them. We narrowed down the list to 50, 25, and finally to the reigning 10. We not only used interviews and social media accounts to find information, but we also consulted on the list with HFR founder and the HarperCollins author of the fitness book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic
Samir Becic, who has over 20 years experience as an industry-renowned health and fitness authority.
Samir Becic says of these power women: “these talented actresses are not only beautiful and fit, but they are also great ambassadors for motivating millions of people around the world to be healthier and fitter.”
The following was taken into consideration: fitness level, nutritional habits, medical issues and how they’ve coped with them, and their involvement in health promotion. Our picks are:
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz is 44, and has never looked- or felt- better! She feels so empowered, by her fit body and newfound vitality, that she hopes to encourage women to change their lives the same way. Cameron’s increased health and fitness is the main factor that encouraged her to write The Body Book– in which she delves into the science behind why she looks and feels so amazing. Last year, she also released her new book The Longevity Book, which focuses on aging in a healthy way, incorporating all the healthy aspects of her own lifestyle.
“I FELL INTO FITNESS BY ACCIDENT,” SAYS CAMERON. “BUT IT’S BECOME SOMETHING I DEPEND ON PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. I FEEL SO MUCH MORE EMPOWERED NOW. I WANT WOMEN TO KNOW THAT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIR BODIES.”
Diaz is honest about not going to the gym every day but says she remains consistent with exercising. She is a fan of outdoor exercise and loves hiking, jogging, and surfing. She is a big advocate of eating clean (unprocessed food), and although she once loved fast food, she now views it as poison.
Jennifer Lawrence
Hunger games and X-Men star, Jennifer Lawrence works hard to keep her body A1 for these active movie roles. While training for her role in X-Men: Apocalypse, Jennifer met with her trainer any chance she could. Jennifer incorporated several 15-minute workouts between filming. These exercises included simple moves that could be done on set, such as squats and lunges. Jennifer sometimes took her workouts outside for some light jogging or walking. These light outdoor workouts allowed Jennifer to unwind and relax her muscles, especially after hours of sitting still during hair and makeup.
“He changed my body for that movie but gave me the skills to change my life,” Lawrence says of her trainer. “We remain good friends; when I’m in London I love to train in his gym, then afterwards we go out for burgers and fries with his family. It’s all about balance.”
Jennifer’s secret to managing her diet is never depriving herself. Instead of keeping up with a strict diet, Jennifer focuses on eating appropriate levels of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Her go-to snacks include lean turkey, dark chocolate, veggies, and hummus. She also hydrates with water throughout the day, which we all know is paramount to good health!
Jessica Biel
Jessica combines various workouts to maintain her healthy and sexy body. Her routine includes walking lunges, sprinting, cardio workouts, and yoga. These moves seem to be working in her favor, especially since she’s already bounced back after having her baby in 2015. Jessica’s trainer also incorporates plyometrics, also known as “jumping training,” into her exercise routine. Plyometric workouts last for under and hour, but the intensity of these moves definitely get the job done. Jessica also enjoys working out in the great outdoors. Jessica spends plenty of time going on hikes and jogs with her dogs. But instead of treating these outdoor activities as physical exercise, she focuses on the mental health aspects of these experiences.
“FOR ME, GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP, DRINKING LOTS OF WATER, HAVING A HEALTHY DIET, AND STAYING AWAY FROM ALCOHOL ARE MUSTS. IT’S SO BORING, I KNOW, BUT DOING THOSE THINGS REALLY HELPS.”
She eats a lot of vegetables and grain proteins. She is a fan of fermented veggies and probiotics also, which she considers great for her skin and digestion.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer’s training philosophy combines both her mind and body. Keeping her physical and mental vitality at optimal levels is what keeps this 47-year-old glowing and looking young! Jennifer uses a combination of yoga, spinning, and pilates to focus on developing a better connection to her mind, emotions, and body.
“IT’S SIMPLE. I RUN, WORK OUT EVERY DAY”
When training for her role as a stripper in We’re the Millers, she stuck to a strict diet of vegetables, lean proteins, and occasional kale chips! Since her role, she still sticks to a healthy, balanced diet, and avoids carbohydrates to keep her body looking toned.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union, 44, is a renown model and actress who played in several popular films, such as Bad Boys, Bring it On and Think Like a Man. This ageless beauty is also the lead actress in Being Mary Jane, a BET drama series that has taken over this TV station by storm. Gabrielle Union looks half her age, and her good genes aren’t the only reason. As expected, this fit actress has a busy schedule and has admitted to working out in her trailer to stay in shape. Her exercise routine is simple but effective. It usually consists of jumping jacks, running in place, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. This may not sound like a lot, but Union repeats these moves until she feels she’s gotten a full workout in. This type of interval training is very effective in keeping your body tight and in shape.
“It starts from the inside out. As my skin has changed over the years, I’ve been a little more diligent about what I’m putting into my body. So for skin food I’ve been doing a beet, carrot, and kale pressed juice probably every other day. Those juices have been really helpful” Union told Everyday Health “I also drink a gallon of water a day and I have a diet that’s almost vegan – except, well…I love meat! I eliminated gluten, soy, and dairy from my diet and it’s actually made a huge difference. My quality of life has gone down (ha!), but I’ve been able to see a difference in my hair growth, in my nail growth, and the quality and vibrancy of my skin.”
Union definitely doesn’t deny herself of her favorite foods, but moderation is key. Her general eating habits include plenty of veggies and fruit. Her diet includes quinoa, kale, steak, and fish. As far as snacking goes, Gabrielle enjoys occasionally munching on unsalted almonds. Gabrielle is also big on staying hydrated. She drinks plenty of water- 1 gallon a day to be exact.
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu is known for kicking butt in flicks like Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill, both of which she trained intensely for. But in real life, it’s her pilates instructor that is kicking her butt. Today, at the age of 48, She claims 10 years of pilates has not only changed her body but her outlook on life and how she views herself.
“WHEN I’M EXERCISING, I’M NOT AS LIKELY TO EAT SWEETS AND JUNK FOOD BECAUSE I TEND TO FEEL REALLY GOOD ABOUT MYSELF AND MY BODY, SO I DON’T WANT TO RUIN IT.”
In terms of cardio, she finds running to be the best and fastest way to drop excess pounds. Lucy prefers running while watching Downton Abbey, and increases the speed a little at a time, decreases it, and then raises it again. This interval method of exercise is most effective in burning calories from fat and increasing general endurance. Lucy’s diet includes juice before noon, usually made with bananas and berries. If she’s really hungry she might have a breakfast burrito with spinach, a fried egg, and tomatoes. For dinner, she has fish with steamed vegetables or a salad.
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes, 42, says she hits the gym three to four times a week, for light, whole body strength training –with not too many repetitions. Eva also makes sure to incorporate some serious cardio into her routine– usually sprinting and interval running for half an hour. Eva also enjoys yoga twice a week, in order to warm her muscles up for training.
“I FOCUS ON THE INSIDE OUT – SO IT’S ALL ABOUT WHAT I’M EATING, HOW I’M FEEDING MY BODY AND HOW MUCH WATER I’M DRINKING. I DON’T EAT MEAT, BUT I EAT A LOT OF FISH AND BROWN RICE. “
Eva Mendes eats healthy and uses a rule of thumb of “eating dark” when it comes to carbs- meaning brown, whole wheat varieties of complex carbohydrates.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman is a fan of various types of exercise. She stays in shape by partaking in running, spinning, yoga, and swimming. Nicole even stated that her Australian background includes family members that enjoy marathon running. Instead of the traditional treadmill, Nicole loves blasting her music and jogging through the woods. Her exercise routine also includes hour-long Pilates sessions and a weekly spinning class.
“I WORK FOR BALANCE NOW. I DO YOGA, AND I RUN, AND I MEDITATE. I TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF MYSELF AND I EAT WELL.”
Although Nicole strives to eat primarily healthy, she allows herself to indulge moderately, especially while on tour with her husband. Because of the strong junk-food temptations on the road, Nicole aims is to eat 80% percent healthy.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth is known for maintaining a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime. This healthy lifestyle has been working to her advantage because, at the age of 44, she doesn’t have a wrinkle or line of cellulite in sight. Gwyneth follows a super healthy macrobiotic diet but also makes sure to include cheat days every now and then. She even penned a healthy cookbook called It’s All Easy.
“I OFTEN HAVE A GLASS OF RED WINE IN THE EVENING AND SMOKE A CIGARETTE ON A SATURDAY. I LOVE THOSE MOMENTS BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF NAUGHTY. THAT BALANCE KEEPS YOU VIBRANT. YOU HAVE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE, AFTER ALL”
She gives lifestyle advice through her popular blog, Goop; and in 2015, she released a workout series with her trainer, Tracy Anderson.
Uma Thurman
Uma Thurman, 46, embarked her celebrity career as a model, but later transitioned into a butt-kicking movie actress. Uma has starred in successful films like Kill Bill. In order to train for Kill Bill, she took up Wushu martial arts, which allowed her to lose 25 lbs improve her overall fitness.
“TRAINING GIVES ME A KIND OF PLEASURE FROM THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERTING MYSELF AND PUSHING MYSELF [LIKE] I NEVER HAVE BEFORE.”
And although Uma hated yoga when she first started, she is now hooked and tries to get an hour in whenever she can. She also loves pilates and exercising outdoors. Horseback riding, skiing, and snowboarding are some of the outdoor exercises Uma enjoys partaking in. As far as Uma’s diet goes, she follows the Paleolithic Diet, which means she avoids all dairy and gluten.
