How Anne Hathaway built full-body strength for Devil Wears Prada 2 – her 30-minute routine

Andy Sachs may have sold her soul to Miranda Priestley the day she slipped on that first pair of Jimmy Choos in The Devil Wears Prada, but Anne Hathaway has been putting in a different kind of work ahead of her return to Runway magazine.

The actress has been training intensely with PT Monique Eastwood for the past four years. ‘She needed to get ready for Mother Mary and so she does my Movement Method 4-5 times a week,’ Eastwood tells Women’s Health. Incidentally, she has also coached Anne’s fellow Prada co-stars Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci for 12 and 10 years respectively.

Having trained as a dancer, Eastwood has built her method around movements that create a body that is both strong and lithe, combining elements of dance, ballet, Pilates and conventional fitness.

‘My method features multidirectional movements that concentrate on posture and strength,’ she explains. ‘My ethos is about building a strong awareness in your core so movement becomes more graceful and efficient.’ She adds on Instagram: ‘Control [and] long elegant lines…train the body and mind to work together with intention and a deep understanding. It challenges your body in a completely different way.’

The following sequence is a typical full-body routine Eastwood does with Anne consistently. ‘It takes roughly 30 minutes as it’s repeated on each side and is not a fast flow,’ says Eastwood. ‘Take it slow, watch my movements carefully and follow the cues.’

Anne Hathaway’s 30-minute full-body workout

Use 3-5kg dumbbells, depending on your level and ability. Correct your technique first before increasing your weights. Repeat each sequence 10 times on each side.

1. Diagonal single-leg squat into pliés with reachesImage no longer available Start in a slight kickstand position, facing the corner of your mat. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and reach your arms forward towards the corner as you lower into a single-leg squat.Step your raised foot out wide into a plié, placing it flat on the floor. At the same time, draw the dumbbells into your chest, then press them overhead.Lift your heel so you’re on the ball of your foot and perform small squat pulses in the plié, keeping your elbows tucked into your sides.Lower your heel back to the floor. With both feet flat, press the dumbbells overhead again.Complete 10 reps, then switch sides. 2. Long-back lunge into single-leg squat with opposite-arm reachImage no longer availableStart in a long lunge. Reach the arm on the same side as your back leg forward, creating a straight line from fingertips to heel.Step your back leg forward into a single-leg squat, keeping your heel lifted in a kickstand position.As you lower into the squat, switch arms – bring the first arm down and reach the opposite arm diagonally forward.Step your kickstand leg back into the long lunge, switching arms again.From here, perform a hammer curl with both dumbbells, then extend your arms back into a tricep kickback.Straighten your front leg as you hammer curl, then bend back into the lunge as you move into the tricep kickback.Complete 10 reps on one side, then switch. 3. Deep side lunge with wide arms into knee lift with high arm liftImage no longer availableStart standing tall with your feet together, holding both dumbbells at your chest.Step out wide into a deep side lunge. As you lower, extend your arms back and out behind you into a tricep kickback.Push back to standing, curling the dumbbells back towards your chest.Lift your working leg into a 90º knee raise, bringing the dumbbells up in front of your face.Lower the leg, extending it straight out in front of you with your heel on the floor and toes lifted, like a hamstring stretch. At the same time, reach the opposite arm forward towards your foot.Pull the arm back in a rowing motion as you lift the knee back up and return to standing.Complete 10 reps on one side, then switch. 4. Plank with single leg in and outs, with a side leg tap Image no longer availableStart in a high plank.Draw one knee in towards your chest, then extend the leg straight back behind you.From there, move the leg out to the side, aiming for roughly a 90º angle from your body, and lightly tap the floor. Bring it back to centre, extending it behind you again.After a few reps, rest this leg across your other leg and push your hips back, as if moving into a child’s pose. When your hips are high and your legs form roughly a 90º angle, press forward to return to a single-leg plank.Keep your arms strong throughout, supporting your body in a steady hold.Complete 10 reps on one side, then switch. 5. Curtsey lunge with arm reach into side crunch balanceImage no longer availableStep back into a deep curtsey lunge. As you do, reach the arm on the same side as your back leg straight overhead. Extend your other arm out to the side for balance.Step your back leg forward, then lift it out to the side into a high knee raise.As your knee lifts, bend your arm and bring your elbow down to meet it in a side crunch.Return to the curtsey lunge and repeat.Complete 10 reps on one side, then switch. 6. Long back lunge into curtsey lunge and overhead reachImage no longer availableStep back into a long lunge. As you do, reach the arm on the same side as your back leg diagonally forward, lowering it towards the floor in front of your bent front leg while holding the dumbbell. Keep your other arm bent by your side.Step your back leg forward and across into a curtsey lunge. As you move, press the same-side arm overhead.Step the leg back again into the long lunge and repeat the sequence.Complete 10 reps on one side, then switch.

Having a strong core is about far more than sporting a six-pack. Build functional mid-section strength – while also improving your power, posture, coordination and balance – with WH COLLECTIVE coach Izy George’s 4-week core challenge. Download the Women’s Health UK app to access the full training plan today.

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