Danai Gurira On Being A “Pesca-Vegan” And The Workouts That Equip Her To Play Okoye And Michonne 4 hours ago | By Victoria Uwumarogie
Danai Gurira is the cover star for the July/August issue of Women’s Health, and while we’ve always assumed that wielding a sword as Michonne on The Walking Dead and a sonic spear as Okoye in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War is the reason she’s so lean yet strong, she spoke in-depth about the exercise regimen and eating habits that equip her with so much strength.
The 40-year-old star works out four times a week with her trainer, AJ Fisher, who specializes in a workout she calls “Corectology.” It’s a blend of work aimed to even out muscle imbalances, while at the same time, strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving mobility and increasing strength. Their sessions involve lot of Pilates moves, using resistance bands, muscle training and intense glute work.
But one form of exercise she enjoys doing when she’s not with Fisher is swimming.
“I don’t remember ever not being able to swim,” she said. The star learned by interrupting her sister’s sessions. “I jumped in the water and was insistent on learning to swim with her.”
These days, she doesn’t just hit the pool, as Gurira also enjoys snorkeling in the ocean.
“It’s a stunning form of exercise, and the lack of impact on the body at the same time is amazing.”
When she’s not doing that, she hits the street by jogging or the mat to do yoga. Keeping up with her fitness is a form of self-care for the actress and writer.
“If I haven’t worked out, if I haven’t exercised and connected with my body in some way, it chips away at my feeling of well-being,” she said.
And to look and feel as healthy as Gurira, one has to eat clean. The star, who eats fish but keeps away from meat and dairy, calls herself a “pesca-vegan” and doesn’t play about her vegetables.
“I used to have spinach when I was a kid, and my mom wouldn’t let me leave the table until I’d eaten it,” she said. “Somehow that worked its way into me feeling like I have to eat spinach. And now I love spinach—I mean, I love spinach. I want it in my smoothies, I want it on the side, I want it with my meals.”
Overall, her discipline has allowed her to be a powerhouse, both on-screen through her iconic characters, and off.
“As women, we’re not always encouraged to find the fullest extent of our physical power,” she said. “There’s something so exciting about tapping into that part of ourselves.”