We don’t yet have a convincing English-language equivalent to “je ne sais quoi”, but if we did, Dakota Johnson has it. The actor’s gorgeous hair, effortlessly good vibes, and very inspiring approach to sleep are just a few of the things we admire about her.
Yet another? Her dutiful approach to fitness. As she prepared for her recent role as Cassie in the Marvel film Madame Web, Johnson “was way more disciplined and consistent with workouts”, she shares. “In my normal life if I feel like skipping a day or two, I will be relaxed about that. But getting ready for Madame Web, I tried to be as diligent as possible with my workout schedule.”
That meant turning to a Covid-era discovery: the online fitness streaming platform Sculpt Society. “In the beginning of the pandemic, I did a deep dive to find a workout that suited my taste and body – and then I became devoted to Megan!” Johnson adds.
Sculpt Society founder Megan Roup (who also trains Miranda Kerr and Molly Sims), crafted a custom routine for Johnson focused on endurance and strength. “My filming days were long and there was a lot of high-intensity running scenes,” Johnson says. “So I wanted to make sure that while I was still strong and toned, I could also maintain being that physical for that many hours.”
Now you can access precisely the same ab-burnishing routine from your living room (or really anywhere you want). “People can get Dakota’s exact programme by doing our 30-minute programme called Spicy in 30 Min, or the Advanced Program, Roup says. “However, if you are more of a beginner, I would suggest our Beginner Program, where the pace is a little more gentle, low impact, and is a great way to perfect your technique if this style is new for you. If you don’t have much time, then I would suggest the Quickie Program, where workouts are under 20 minutes.”
Even in a post-Madame Web world, Johnson is still loving the Sculpt Society burn. “Megan manages to get that good burn feeling in places on the body I didn’t know were possible to tone,” she says. “It’s a good pain – a hard-work pain.”