Steal Zoe Saldana's Guardians of the Galaxy Workout

What does it take to become a Guardian of the Galaxy? Shape found out what it took for Zoe Saldana to get in onscreen shape.

Getty | David M. Benett

Sexy sci-fi actress Zoe Saldana has it all: the highly anticipated movie Guardians of the Galaxy, out today; a rumored bundle of joy on the way (can we say twins?!); a happy first year of marriage to hubby Marco Perego; and an amazing body to boot. The best part? The stunning star says that, at 36, she's in "exactly the right place" when it comes to both her appearance and her attitude.

But how does she stay in such ravishing red carpet shape (not to mention prepped to play a green-faced, total butt-kicker in her new flick) despite such a busy schedule? Aside from working extensively with stunt coordinator Steve Dent and choreographers like Chloe Bruce and Thomas Robinson Harper on set, Saldana has fitness trainers on both coasts to keep her strong and lean for every fierce role.

We caught up with celeb-trainer extraordinaire Steve Moyer, who has worked with Saldana since 2009 in Los Angeles, to steal some of his secrets. Read on for more!

Shape: What does a typical workout with Zoe entail?
Steve Moyer: Generally speaking, we work her full body with an emphasis on staying lean and strong. I like to combine three or four exercises in a row to keep the workout moving and take advantage of the time. When she's in town, sometimes workouts last a full hour. Sometimes it's 30 minutes. I'll do lots of cardio and core if I know I won't be seeing the client the next day. If I know we are working out on consecutive days, I split the workouts according to body parts. For a full body workout, I like to do a leg exercise like squats, followed by a core exercise like plank push-ups (which also hits the triceps), followed by a cardio exercise, which also targets the legs like Jumping Lunges. That's a great series that will build strength and endurance and can be a major aid in leaning out and shedding unwanted pounds.

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Shape: Do you help Zoe with her diet as well?
SM: She has used my meal-delivery business before, MoyerMeals. My service is gluten-free, no added sugar, nothing artificial — balanced meals that taste great too. Every meal is a lean protein mixed with complex carbohydrates and vegetables in a perfect balance.

Shape: What's on a typical daily menu?
SM: A typical example for any one of my clients would be oatmeal made with almond milk, chia seeds, dried banana, mango, pineapple, and macadamia nuts for breakfast, as well as a house-made protein shake with organic whey protein for a snack. The lunches and dinners are always balanced meals. Some examples might be a lentil salad with chopped vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and raisins; a buckwheat noodle salad with chicken and vegetables; or a turkey burger with baked yams and green vegetable.

Shape: Zoe has such a busy schedule and still fits in time to exercise. Any advice for us on how to do the same?
SM: You don't have to work out for an hour every day. Thirty minutes, three times a week, done right and combined with smart eating habits, can get you in great everyday shape. But I'll say what I always say: "It starts with a clear, concrete goal. 'I want to be in shape' is not a goal. 'I want to lose 10 pounds in one month and be able to run a six-minute mile'? That is a much clearer goal. Think numbers and specific details, then devise a routine or have someone devise a routine that gets you to that goal.