Halle Berry has long been one of the most talented action actresses in film.
Though not her most famous role, Berry did get a chance to play a hero as the lead in the 2004 Catwoman film as Patience Phillips/Catwoman.
The sometimes nemesis/sometimes partner of Batman, Catwoman is one of the most iconic female roles in the history of comic book movies and has been played by the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer and Anne Hathaway.
Berry, who also played Ororo Munroe/Storm in the X-Men film series, has used a combination of strength training, kickboxing, and other cardio training to get in shape for her roles.
Halle Berry as Patience Phillips/Catwoman - Photo By: Warner Bros.
The Halle Berry Catwoman workout routine
Berry uses plenty of variety in her exercise routines. She chooses exercises from the following 3 categories:
- Strength training
- Kickboxing
- Hill running
The strength training helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass which is very helpful for action roles. Kickboxing is great for conditioning as well as learning fighting techniques for when she performs her own stunts. Hill running, either from sprints or longer hikes are also great for conditioning and shredding calories.
Berry has used the 5-factor fitness plan from Harley Pasternak, a celebrity trainer, in the past. This workout routine consists of 5 minutes of each of the following exercise types:
- Warm up
- Upper-body strength training
- Lower-body strength training
- Core training
- Cardio
The short - but intense - nature of this training program allowed her to get in 5 workouts per week, despite a busy schedule. A training session that follows this format is done in less than 30 minutes, but accomplishes a lot.
Berry's training program has changed over the years, although it still has many of the same fundamentals, as she shared in an interview with Essence.
Halle BerryOn what her workout program looks like today
I work with [personal trainer] Nat Bardonnet three times a week, an hour at a time. I do cardio, very light weights and exercises that use a lot of my own body weight. I just try to keep everything lean and toned - the days of trying to get a body are done. I don't really like exercising, but I like the people I work out with. I need somebody to show up and plan it. If I don't have that, I'll find a million other things to do.
She is now trained by personal trainer Nat Bardonnet. She no longer focuses on trying to get into a certain body type, but rather focuses on staying healthy and fit all year long. She still uses cardio and strength training, although she uses more bodyweight exercises now.
It's interesting to note that even though Berry has been in great shape for many years, she says that she doesn't enjoy exercising. For many people, health and fitness can be a chore, but it is important to find a way to fit it in, even if it is only a few short sessions per week.
The Halle Berry Catwoman diet plan
Berry's diet consists of solid fundamentals, such as lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. She also follows the 5-factor diet plan, which consists eating 5 smaller meals rather than 2 or 3 large ones.
Berry is diabetic, and she knows how dangerous sugar can be whether you are or not. She avoids sugar as much as she can, as she said in an article with Marie Claire, and believes that it is important that parents act as role models for their children when it comes to proper nutrition.
Halle BerryOn the importance of removing sugar from her diet
I'm diabetic so I avoid sugar and that helps with anti-aging. I use Xylitol as a sugar substitute and give it to my daughter. It's rough though because she's at a friend's birthday party every other month and there are all these wonderful birthday cakes so I don't deprive her from that. I strongly believe in talking about nutrition at an early age and setting a good example.
Recap
From Michelle Pfeiffer to Anne Hathaway, Catwoman is an iconic action role. Though not her most famous role, this Halle Berry Catwoman workout routine and diet plan show how she was able to get and stay in such great shape to play such an iconic role on the big screen.
