Well, let’s be real—we were utterly spellbound when Cynthia Erivo took to the skies as Elphaba in the much-buzzed-about 2024 adaptation of Wicked. With a powerhouse voice that defied gravity, this Broadway star who brought the green-skinned witch to life has truly served up a performance of the ages!
Her vocal prowess and emotional depth aren’t the only talking points, though—we are equally marveled by her physical transformation! Underneath that breathtaking performance is a crazy tough fitness routine that proves Cynthia is all about excellence in everything she takes on.
Cynthia Erivo | @cythiaerivo
A daily commitment to movement
Cynthia’s incredible stamina is no accident. A seasoned marathoner, she’s proven her endurance on some of the world’s most famous courses, including the 2022 London Marathon, where she smashed her personal best with a time of 3:35:36. Her training regimen includes progressively increasing her running distance—starting with 5Ks and eventually reaching grueling 9-mile runs every other day.
Running isn’t just a hobby for the Tony and Grammy award winner; it’s a tool that enhances her craft. As she explains, her strong lungs and diaphragm—developed through cardio—are essential for her singing. “I think that the fitter I am, the easier it is to do the things I need to do. When you're a singer, you need your lungs, you need your diaphragm, and working out just makes sure that those things are strong and ready to be used,” Cynthia said in an interview with People.
Her fitness routine extends far beyond running. She incorporates strength training to build resilience and prevent injuries, blending core, upper-body, and lower-body exercises for a full-body workout. Among her go-to moves are squats, lunges, pull-ups, push-ups, and resistance band exercises.
The mental boost
For Cynthia, working out is a way of life as she finds it “meditative” and a foundation for self-care, allowing her to concentrate on her breathing, mind, and body. Whether starting her day with a guided run or a core workout, she sees exercise as essential to her personal and professional success.
Beyond the physical benefits, Cynthia swears by the emotional uplift her fitness routine brings—thanks to the rush of endorphins that follow a good sweat session. “My life is happier because I’m working out,” she shared, noting how fitness has a ripple effect on her overall mood and outlook.
The singer-actress is also an advocate for celebrating progress—no matter how small. Whether it be completing five minutes of a workout or hitting a new personal best, Cynthia emphasizes the importance of acknowledging achievements along the way as these moments of victories fuel her drive to tackle bigger challenges and build momentum toward long-term goals.
Vegan for vitality
A dedicated vegan for years, Cynthia steers clear of red meat and dairy to keep her health in tip-top shape and to protect her vocal cords. “I was cutting so many things out of my diet for health reasons—my body was letting me know that it wasn’t right for me—it ended up that being vegan was the most correct way for me to treat my body,” she told Bon Appétit.
The plant-based lifestyle provides her with the energy needed for her hectic schedule. She focuses on whole foods and often prepares her own meals to ensure she’s fueling her body with the right nutrients. Mornings begin with a hot lemon water or turmeric tonic, followed by a high-protein breakfast. Throughout the day, she stays hydrated with water and herbal teas, avoiding processed drinks entirely.
@cynthiaerivo
The ‘Wicked’ star has also been a firm believer in supplements to support her active lifestyle. Her daily regimen includes probiotics, vitamin D, adaptogens for muscle recovery, and spirulina for greens intake among others. These thoughtful additions to her diet help her maintain peak performance whenever she’s on set or on stage.
Consistency pays off
The takeaway? Cynthia Erivo’s jaw-dropping feats in fitness, performance, and life all boil down to one principle: consistency. Even amidst a demanding travel schedule, she adapts, finding creative ways to stick to her routine. Her commitment to self-discipline and self-care is a real pep talk for anyone striving to juggle dreams with well-being.
Because after all, consistency is not about perfection but about making the effort daily no matter the circumstances.