On Daily Routines, we profile successful leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, executives and athletes to explore their routines, schedules, habits and day in the life.
Emma Stone has really made her mark in Hollywood with a career that’s as varied as it is impressive. From her roles in Birdman and The Favourite that snagged her Oscar nods, to winning Best Actress for La La Land and Poor Things, she’s shown she can do it all. And let’s not forget her turns in Maniac, The Curse, and as the unforgettable Cruella. After all these years, one thing is for certain, the multiple Oscar-winner isn’t just a bonafide movie star, she’s an incredibly versatile force in the industry.
In 2017, the actress faced a unique challenge for her role in Battle of the Sexes as Billie Jean King—a tennis legend from the ’70s. Stone’s transformation required a departure from her La La Land dancer physique, demanding significant physical preparation to embody King’s strength and athleticism authentically. This role necessitated a blend of intensive training and dietary adjustments, showcasing the performer’s dedication to her craft and her willingness to physically evolve to bring real-life characters to the screen.
Workout Routine
For her role as Billie Jean King in Battle of the Sexes, Emma Stone teamed up with her trainer, Jason Walsh, to embark on an ambitious fitness journey. The goal was clear: gain muscle and resilience to not only look the part of a ’70s tennis icon but also handle the rigorous physical demands of tennis. She committed to an intense workout plan for three months, incorporating strength training with specific exercises like sled pushes, deadlifts, and push-ups.
“For six weeks at the beginning, she came in five days a week,” Walsh said in an interview with Elle. “We were doing two times a day, four days a week on top of that.” This regimen was designed to build a solid, athletic physique through a combination of high-calorie intake and a meticulously structured exercise routine, highlighting the leading lady’s dedication to transforming her body for the role.
Nutrition Approach
To ensure Stone’s physical transformation for her role, her daily caloric intake was significantly increased, focusing on the intake of clean, nutritious foods, supplemented by protein-heavy shakes. Walsh detailed, “She ate very well, and very clean, so it wasn’t like she was getting garbage calories in.”
These dietary adjustments, including a high-calorie shake twice a day, were essential for muscle growth and recovery. The trainer emphasised the importance of a balanced diet, while also noting the value of occasional treats, embodying a realistic and sustainable approach to nutrition.
Routine Maintenance Post-Role
After wrapping up her role in Battle of the Sexes, the actress didn’t just kick back and let her hard work fade away. Instead, she smartly adjusted her fitness routine to keep up with her newfound strength and agility, all while juggling her demanding acting career.
She mixed strength training, yoga, and climbing into her weekly schedule, a combination that not only kept her physically fit but also offered her mental and emotional balance. According to her trainer, Jason Walsh, “She does two to three days of strength training with me, and she’ll do a couple days of yoga and she’ll throw in some of the Rise Nation classes.” This blend of activities ensured she stayed in top shape without burning out.
Emma Stone’s post-role routine is a testament to finding a sustainable balance that fosters physical health, mental well-being, and the flexibility to enjoy life’s little pleasures. Her strategy underscores the importance of consistency, moderation, and the integration of exercise into daily life, ensuring she remains resilient, healthy, and ready for whatever her career throws her way, including two Academy Awards.
