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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

20 Amazing Bodies of Male Stars Who Got Ripped

Here’s how they stay in shape.

FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
National Geographic's "Limitless" Screening And Conversation
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza

From the mighty Asgardian to the gritty streets of Gotham, these male stars have captured hearts and screens with their stunning physiques. Discover the secrets behind their jaw-dropping transformations as we delve into the intense regimens and dietary choices that have sculpted their bodies into works of art. From Chris Hemsworth's strategic meals to Dwayne Johnson's versatile workouts, and Hugh Jackman's commitment to the old-school way, these leading men share their fitness journeys. Unveil how dedication, discipline, and expert guidance turned actors into real-life superheroes, showcasing their awe-inspiring evolution both on and off the silver screen.


1. Chris Hemsworth

"Limitless With Chris Hemsworth" New York PremiereDia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Chris Hemsworth works with trainer Luke Zocchi to prepare for his role as Thor in different Marvel films. Zocchi talked about the actor’s diet and exercise in an interview with Page Six. “When we go into prep for movies like ‘Thor,’ it’s a massive increase in food,” Zocchi said. “He eats, like, six to eight meals a day. We’ve kind of got a structure. He found if he eats a really big meal he, like, feels too heavy, so they’re 450-calorie meals broken up into the eight. We try to eat every two hours and getting 450 calories in [each time].”

2. Dwayne Johnson

World Premiere Of Disney's "Jungle Cruise" - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

For a lot of his roles, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has to be in good shape. His trainer, Dave Rienzi broke down how Johnson prepped for his role in Black Adam to GQ. “We tweak his training depending on the challenge or project, but for DJ, training is always six days a week, and we do strength and cardio each day. The Black Adam training process was chest and triceps, back and biceps, shoulders, arms, then chest and back – one of those groups a day – but focused on getting lots of blood into the muscle as opposed to training really heavy. Day six is normally on Sunday, so there's a day off beforehand, and that'll be leg day. We specifically planned a leg workout on the weekend because it's away from his working week so that he can recover without it impacting his job. Imagine going from a killer leg workout into 12 hours of filming? It wouldn’t work. A leg session these days can be something like: leg press, hack squat, chain lunges, 100 lbs dumbbell sumo squat, with no rest between them. Typically there’s a negative hold for three seconds and one-second pause at the bottom on something like the sumo squat. We use a lot of negatives.”

3. Jason Momoa

Tom Ford AW20 Show - ArrivalsSteve Granitz/WireImage

Jason Momoa works with trainer Damien Viera to help him star in films like Aquaman. Viera opened up about Momoa’s diet in an interview with Men’s Journal. He says that the actor doesn’t believe in cutting carbs. “Jason couldn’t do something like a ketogenic diet, because he needs readily charged energy from carbs to be explosive. And when I say carbs, I’m not talking about breads and pastas—those are long gone. I’m talking about cruciferous vegetables and fruits. You can’t train the way we do with fat for fuel; you need the carbs for explosive movements.”

4. Zac Efron

75th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsFrederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Patrick Murphy trained a lot of the stars of the film adaptation of Baywatch, including Zac Efron. Murphy talked about what he did with Efron and his castmates to Men’s Journal. “With Zac, I helped him create positive adaptations for perfect posture and alignment, all the while going through a very high-intensity program. I also plan ahead. I consider what type of supersets I’m slating for every workout. With Zac, it was ever-changing. I trained him for several months, and he never went through the same exact workout twice. That's how you avoid plateaus. I saw him daily, too, so it was amazing what happened.”

5. Hugh Jackman

Montblanc Celebrates The Launch Of MB 01 Headphones & Summit 2+ With NYC EventDimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

In an interview on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, Hugh Jackman talked about how he got in shape to play Wolverine. He says that he made sure to not take steroids and eat a healthy diet. “I got to be careful what I say here, but I had been told anecdotally what the side effects are of that. And I was like, ‘I don’t love it that much.’ So no, I just did it the old school way. And I tell you, I’ve eaten more chickens — I’m so sorry to all the vegans and vegetarians and to the chickens of the world. Literally the karma is not good for me. If the deity has anything related to chickens, I’m in trouble.”

6. Chris Pratt

Marvel Studios "Thor: Love And Thunder" Los Angeles PremiereAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Chris Pratt made a massive transition career-wise in 2014, when he shifted from playing Andy Dwyer on Parks & Recreation, to starring in action films like Guardians of The Galaxy and Jurassic World. Pratt also had a massive physical transformation for these roles. He started working with Jared Shaw to help him achieve this. Shaw talked about working with Pratt to Men’s Journal. “Chris was still doing Parks and Recreation at that time and not in the shape he is today,” says Shaw. “I was supposed to work with him and a few other guys, but because he was just starting this journey I ended up spending a lot more time with Chris.”

7. Henry Cavill

20th Century Studio's "Avatar 2: The Way Of Water" U.S. Premiere - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Henry Cavill is best-known for playing Superman in the DC films and for appearing in Enola Holmes and The Witcher. “I've been very fortunate over my career to have pros guiding me,” he told GQ. “As useful as that has been when it comes to physical results and how the body looks when I'm taking my shirt off on camera or whatever the case may be, it does certainly hinder my growth in knowledge. And so over the past couple of years, I've been trying to quiz my trainer, Dave Rienzi, more and more about the why of everything. ‘Why is that going in? Why this rather than that? Aren't they both carbohydrates? Why this protein versus that protein? What does it mean when you do this before or afterwards?’ And so my journey is still very much in process.”

8. Michael B. Jordan

Marvel Studios' "Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever" PremiereAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Michael B. Jordan is best known for his roles in the Creed films and as Killmonger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Naturally, he’s got to be in good shape for these roles. Jordan talked about how he dieted for Creed on Good Morning America. “I stripped down my diet completely. Grilled chicken, brown rice, broccoli, a lot of water. I worked out two to three times a day, six days a week. And if you do that consistently for about 10 months, your body will change.”

9. Ryan Reynolds

The Adam Project World Premiere At Alice Tully Hall In New YorkMonica Schipper/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds has played two superheroes in his career: The Green Lantern in 2011, and Deadpool since 2016. To prepare for the latter role, Reynolds works with Don Saladino. In this post from Saladino’s Instagram, Reynolds is seen lifting weights in the gym. Saladino captioned the post, “Deadpool 3 training in full effect.”

10. Gerard Butler

2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - ArrivalsDia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Gerard Butler made sure to get in shape for his role in the film 300. Butler talked about the process in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “That was the best shape I have ever been in in my life. In some ways I was ruining my body, but I was looking amazing doing it.”

Butler said that he worked out six hours each day, and did bodybuilding, fighting, and CrossFit.

11. Mark Wahlburg

LA Premiere Of HBO's "McMillion$" - ArrivalsTommaso Boddi/Getty Images

Mark Wahlburg opened up about his wellness in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “Getting the right amount of rest, really staying focused. My spirituality, my faith has got to be the center of it all.” Wahlburg also opened up about his new plan. “I don't have to do as much cardio, I don't have to spend as much time in the gym and I feel like I am getting better results.”

12. Vin Diesel

Premiere Of Sony Pictures' "Bloodshot" - ArrivalsJon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Vin Diesel is in great shape. One of his secrets? Making sure he still enjoys exercising. “I work out less and enjoy it more these days,” Diesel admits to Men’s Health. “It’s a time in my week where I don’t have to juggle things. I can just exercise and be present."

13. Terry Crews

Premiere Of Warner Bros "Space Jam: A New Legacy" - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Terry Crews is known for his impressive figure. Not only did he used to play football, he also played the muscular Terry Jeffords on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Crews opened up about fitness in this video for Men’s Journal. “Fitness is one of the most important things in my life. I do not start my day until I have my workout on.”

14. Arnold Schwarzenegger

"Fubar" Premiere - ArrivalsMark Von Holden/Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for several roles, particularly his role as the Terminator. He talked about his fitness secrets to The Hollywood Reporter. “We all know the rules of life: Hardship and struggle makes you stronger. So I always look forward to discomfort. Why do I go skiing in Aspen for three days in high altitude that wipes you out? Because it’s tough to do, especially at my age. Everyone is talking about their feelings. That’s OK if that’s how you want to occupy yourself. How I feel is irrelevant. I don’t give a fuck how I feel. What I care about is: ‘What can I do to make it better?’ Sometimes I get out of bed and feel shitty. But I get on a bike or go feed the animals and suddenly I feel great.”

15. Keanu Reeves

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's "John Wick: Chapter 4" - ArrivalsKayla Oaddams/WireImage

Keanu Reeves is known for playing the title character in the John Wick franchise. Reeves’ trainer, Patrick Murphy, talked about working with the actor to GQ. “I’ve trained talent for 25 years,” says Murphy. “Keanu is second to none when it comes to focus and effort for a physical role. He 110% gives it his all, day in and day out. It’s one of the many reasons why he is respected by so many who work with him.”

16. Idris Elba

Premiere Of Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" - ArrivalsGregg DeGuire/WireImage

Idris Elba opened up about his workout secrets to Men’s Journal. He says that he likes to kickbox when he can. "I'm not really allowed to do it while I'm working because it's considered too dangerous," he says. "Film producers get very nervous…"I'm not really fussy. I just need a couple of speed bags."

17. Dave Bautista

"Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" European Premiere Closing Night Gala - 66th BFI London Film FestivalJeff Spicer/Getty Images

Dave Bautista talked about how he got in shape for Guardians of The Galaxy, Vol. 2 to Muscle and Fitness. “With Drax always being shirtless, there’s no room to hide any fat,” says Bautista. “I really focused on being in better shape and more muscular. I still do a lot of cross training, a lot of boxing and grappling. But I did gear a lot of my training toward weights this past year.”

18. Bradley Cooper

28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

On an episode of the SmartLess podcast, Bradley Cooper talked about how Will Arnett helped him overcome addiction. "I was so lost, and I was addicted to cocaine," he recalled. “Will is the reason (I overcame it). He took the risk of having that hard conversation with me in July of 2004, and that put me on a path of deciding to change my life."

19. John Cena

Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2022 - ArrivalsKevin Mazur/Getty Images

John Cena talked about the difference between wrestling and doing his stunts in Peacemaker to People. “Movie coordinator stunt performers are massive amounts of repetition not only through practice, but through performance as well. Whereas you can practice your craft in WWE, but once you're out there live, it happens once and there really is no wrong. It just is. There's also no enormous, energetic, unbelievable crowd cheering you on as you do all this stuff and it has to be done from many angles and many perspectives.”

20. Ben Affleck

The Last Duel New York PremiereAstrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Ben Affleck talked about his struggles with Imposter Syndrome to Complex. “What I’ve discovered is that the idea that outside approbation or approval is going to fill the place in you that is anxious or wanting or feels like it has something to prove. It doesn’t actually do it, strangely enough. You have these moments that are supposed to create that feeling in you and I think one finds that it generally doesn’t. It’s not lasting, that the things that last in life are not the totems or trophies or ribbons.”

More For You

National Geographic's "Limitless" Screening And Conversation
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

From the mighty Asgardian to the gritty streets of Gotham, these male stars have captured hearts and screens with their stunning physiques. Discover the secrets behind their jaw-dropping transformations as we delve into the intense regimens and dietary choices that have sculpted their bodies into works of art. From Chris Hemsworth's strategic meals to Dwayne Johnson's versatile workouts, and Hugh Jackman's commitment to the old-school way, these leading men share their fitness journeys. Unveil how dedication, discipline, and expert guidance turned actors into real-life superheroes, showcasing their awe-inspiring evolution both on and off the silver screen.


1. Chris Hemsworth

"Limitless With Chris Hemsworth" New York PremiereDia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Chris Hemsworth works with trainer Luke Zocchi to prepare for his role as Thor in different Marvel films. Zocchi talked about the actor’s diet and exercise in an interview with Page Six. “When we go into prep for movies like ‘Thor,’ it’s a massive increase in food,” Zocchi said. “He eats, like, six to eight meals a day. We’ve kind of got a structure. He found if he eats a really big meal he, like, feels too heavy, so they’re 450-calorie meals broken up into the eight. We try to eat every two hours and getting 450 calories in [each time].”

2. Dwayne Johnson

World Premiere Of Disney's "Jungle Cruise" - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

For a lot of his roles, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has to be in good shape. His trainer, Dave Rienzi broke down how Johnson prepped for his role in Black Adam to GQ. “We tweak his training depending on the challenge or project, but for DJ, training is always six days a week, and we do strength and cardio each day. The Black Adam training process was chest and triceps, back and biceps, shoulders, arms, then chest and back – one of those groups a day – but focused on getting lots of blood into the muscle as opposed to training really heavy. Day six is normally on Sunday, so there's a day off beforehand, and that'll be leg day. We specifically planned a leg workout on the weekend because it's away from his working week so that he can recover without it impacting his job. Imagine going from a killer leg workout into 12 hours of filming? It wouldn’t work. A leg session these days can be something like: leg press, hack squat, chain lunges, 100 lbs dumbbell sumo squat, with no rest between them. Typically there’s a negative hold for three seconds and one-second pause at the bottom on something like the sumo squat. We use a lot of negatives.”

3. Jason Momoa

Tom Ford AW20 Show - ArrivalsSteve Granitz/WireImage

Jason Momoa works with trainer Damien Viera to help him star in films like Aquaman. Viera opened up about Momoa’s diet in an interview with Men’s Journal. He says that the actor doesn’t believe in cutting carbs. “Jason couldn’t do something like a ketogenic diet, because he needs readily charged energy from carbs to be explosive. And when I say carbs, I’m not talking about breads and pastas—those are long gone. I’m talking about cruciferous vegetables and fruits. You can’t train the way we do with fat for fuel; you need the carbs for explosive movements.”

4. Zac Efron

75th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsFrederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Patrick Murphy trained a lot of the stars of the film adaptation of Baywatch, including Zac Efron. Murphy talked about what he did with Efron and his castmates to Men’s Journal. “With Zac, I helped him create positive adaptations for perfect posture and alignment, all the while going through a very high-intensity program. I also plan ahead. I consider what type of supersets I’m slating for every workout. With Zac, it was ever-changing. I trained him for several months, and he never went through the same exact workout twice. That's how you avoid plateaus. I saw him daily, too, so it was amazing what happened.”

5. Hugh Jackman

Montblanc Celebrates The Launch Of MB 01 Headphones & Summit 2+ With NYC EventDimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

In an interview on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, Hugh Jackman talked about how he got in shape to play Wolverine. He says that he made sure to not take steroids and eat a healthy diet. “I got to be careful what I say here, but I had been told anecdotally what the side effects are of that. And I was like, ‘I don’t love it that much.’ So no, I just did it the old school way. And I tell you, I’ve eaten more chickens — I’m so sorry to all the vegans and vegetarians and to the chickens of the world. Literally the karma is not good for me. If the deity has anything related to chickens, I’m in trouble.”

6. Chris Pratt

Marvel Studios "Thor: Love And Thunder" Los Angeles PremiereAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Chris Pratt made a massive transition career-wise in 2014, when he shifted from playing Andy Dwyer on Parks & Recreation, to starring in action films like Guardians of The Galaxy and Jurassic World. Pratt also had a massive physical transformation for these roles. He started working with Jared Shaw to help him achieve this. Shaw talked about working with Pratt to Men’s Journal. “Chris was still doing Parks and Recreation at that time and not in the shape he is today,” says Shaw. “I was supposed to work with him and a few other guys, but because he was just starting this journey I ended up spending a lot more time with Chris.”

7. Henry Cavill

20th Century Studio's "Avatar 2: The Way Of Water" U.S. Premiere - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Henry Cavill is best-known for playing Superman in the DC films and for appearing in Enola Holmes and The Witcher. “I've been very fortunate over my career to have pros guiding me,” he told GQ. “As useful as that has been when it comes to physical results and how the body looks when I'm taking my shirt off on camera or whatever the case may be, it does certainly hinder my growth in knowledge. And so over the past couple of years, I've been trying to quiz my trainer, Dave Rienzi, more and more about the why of everything. ‘Why is that going in? Why this rather than that? Aren't they both carbohydrates? Why this protein versus that protein? What does it mean when you do this before or afterwards?’ And so my journey is still very much in process.”

8. Michael B. Jordan

Marvel Studios' "Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever" PremiereAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Michael B. Jordan is best known for his roles in the Creed films and as Killmonger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Naturally, he’s got to be in good shape for these roles. Jordan talked about how he dieted for Creed on Good Morning America. “I stripped down my diet completely. Grilled chicken, brown rice, broccoli, a lot of water. I worked out two to three times a day, six days a week. And if you do that consistently for about 10 months, your body will change.”

9. Ryan Reynolds

The Adam Project World Premiere At Alice Tully Hall In New YorkMonica Schipper/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds has played two superheroes in his career: The Green Lantern in 2011, and Deadpool since 2016. To prepare for the latter role, Reynolds works with Don Saladino. In this post from Saladino’s Instagram, Reynolds is seen lifting weights in the gym. Saladino captioned the post, “Deadpool 3 training in full effect.”

10. Gerard Butler

2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - ArrivalsDia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Gerard Butler made sure to get in shape for his role in the film 300. Butler talked about the process in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “That was the best shape I have ever been in in my life. In some ways I was ruining my body, but I was looking amazing doing it.”

Butler said that he worked out six hours each day, and did bodybuilding, fighting, and CrossFit.

11. Mark Wahlburg

LA Premiere Of HBO's "McMillion$" - ArrivalsTommaso Boddi/Getty Images

Mark Wahlburg opened up about his wellness in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “Getting the right amount of rest, really staying focused. My spirituality, my faith has got to be the center of it all.” Wahlburg also opened up about his new plan. “I don't have to do as much cardio, I don't have to spend as much time in the gym and I feel like I am getting better results.”

12. Vin Diesel

Premiere Of Sony Pictures' "Bloodshot" - ArrivalsJon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Vin Diesel is in great shape. One of his secrets? Making sure he still enjoys exercising. “I work out less and enjoy it more these days,” Diesel admits to Men’s Health. “It’s a time in my week where I don’t have to juggle things. I can just exercise and be present."

13. Terry Crews

Premiere Of Warner Bros "Space Jam: A New Legacy" - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Terry Crews is known for his impressive figure. Not only did he used to play football, he also played the muscular Terry Jeffords on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Crews opened up about fitness in this video for Men’s Journal. “Fitness is one of the most important things in my life. I do not start my day until I have my workout on.”

14. Arnold Schwarzenegger

"Fubar" Premiere - ArrivalsMark Von Holden/Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for several roles, particularly his role as the Terminator. He talked about his fitness secrets to The Hollywood Reporter. “We all know the rules of life: Hardship and struggle makes you stronger. So I always look forward to discomfort. Why do I go skiing in Aspen for three days in high altitude that wipes you out? Because it’s tough to do, especially at my age. Everyone is talking about their feelings. That’s OK if that’s how you want to occupy yourself. How I feel is irrelevant. I don’t give a fuck how I feel. What I care about is: ‘What can I do to make it better?’ Sometimes I get out of bed and feel shitty. But I get on a bike or go feed the animals and suddenly I feel great.”

15. Keanu Reeves

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's "John Wick: Chapter 4" - ArrivalsKayla Oaddams/WireImage

Keanu Reeves is known for playing the title character in the John Wick franchise. Reeves’ trainer, Patrick Murphy, talked about working with the actor to GQ. “I’ve trained talent for 25 years,” says Murphy. “Keanu is second to none when it comes to focus and effort for a physical role. He 110% gives it his all, day in and day out. It’s one of the many reasons why he is respected by so many who work with him.”

16. Idris Elba

Premiere Of Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" - ArrivalsGregg DeGuire/WireImage

Idris Elba opened up about his workout secrets to Men’s Journal. He says that he likes to kickbox when he can. "I'm not really allowed to do it while I'm working because it's considered too dangerous," he says. "Film producers get very nervous…"I'm not really fussy. I just need a couple of speed bags."

17. Dave Bautista

"Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" European Premiere Closing Night Gala - 66th BFI London Film FestivalJeff Spicer/Getty Images

Dave Bautista talked about how he got in shape for Guardians of The Galaxy, Vol. 2 to Muscle and Fitness. “With Drax always being shirtless, there’s no room to hide any fat,” says Bautista. “I really focused on being in better shape and more muscular. I still do a lot of cross training, a lot of boxing and grappling. But I did gear a lot of my training toward weights this past year.”

18. Bradley Cooper

28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

On an episode of the SmartLess podcast, Bradley Cooper talked about how Will Arnett helped him overcome addiction. "I was so lost, and I was addicted to cocaine," he recalled. “Will is the reason (I overcame it). He took the risk of having that hard conversation with me in July of 2004, and that put me on a path of deciding to change my life."

19. John Cena

Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2022 - ArrivalsKevin Mazur/Getty Images

John Cena talked about the difference between wrestling and doing his stunts in Peacemaker to People. “Movie coordinator stunt performers are massive amounts of repetition not only through practice, but through performance as well. Whereas you can practice your craft in WWE, but once you're out there live, it happens once and there really is no wrong. It just is. There's also no enormous, energetic, unbelievable crowd cheering you on as you do all this stuff and it has to be done from many angles and many perspectives.”

20. Ben Affleck

The Last Duel New York PremiereAstrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Ben Affleck talked about his struggles with Imposter Syndrome to Complex. “What I’ve discovered is that the idea that outside approbation or approval is going to fill the place in you that is anxious or wanting or feels like it has something to prove. It doesn’t actually do it, strangely enough. You have these moments that are supposed to create that feeling in you and I think one finds that it generally doesn’t. It’s not lasting, that the things that last in life are not the totems or trophies or ribbons.”

Amy,Adams,At,The,91st,Annual,Academy,Awards,Held,At
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Discover the awe-inspiring physical transformations of 20 beloved sci-fi movie stars! From Chris Pratt's NFL-level training to Daisy Ridley's kickboxing prowess, these stars go above and beyond to embody their on-screen roles. Uncover the secrets behind their incredible bodies as their trainers and experts share their regimens. Whether it's Keanu Reeves' unparalleled focus or Charlize Theron's tenacity, each story unveils the dedication and hard work behind the glamorous façade. Get inspired by their fitness journeys as we delve into the fitness routines and wellness hacks of Hollywood's finest.


1. Chris Pratt

Los,Angeles,-,Jun,22:,Chris,Pratt,Arrives,For,AmazonShutterstock

Chris Pratt’s trainer, Duffy Gaver, talked about working with the actor to Muscle and Fitness. “He isn’t the client you have to push; he’s the type of client you have to pull down. If you were to walk into the gym when he was training, you would have thought for sure you’ve got a guy getting ready for the NFL Combine.”

2. Daisy Ridley

Shutterstock

Daisy Ridley opened up about getting in shape to film the Star Wars movies to The Guardian. “I’m the strongest and healthiest I’ve ever been. I didn’t get injured once [on set]. I actually got my kickboxing green belt during filming, which really felt like something.”

3. John Boyega

Los,Angeles,,Usa.,December,17,,2019:,John,Boyega,At,TheShutterstock

John Boyega opened up about his workout and diet in an interview with Men’s Health. He says that he had to work on cutting out junk food, and took himself off of sugar. “That’s my enemy. Doughnuts, chocolate, candy, pie, sodas… the stuff that kills you. I had to get rid of that habit.”

4. Charlize Theron

Charlize,Theron,At,The,Los,Angeles,Premiere,Of,Netflix's,'theShutterstock

Charlize Theron works with trainer, Fedele De Santis, to keep herself in shape. De Santis talked about working with Theron in an interview. “Charlize is an extremely serious, focused, professional, no-B.S. client.She’s so tenacious, my nickname for her is Thundercat!”

5. Keanu Reeves

Los,Angeles,-,May,15:,Keanu,Reeves,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

Keanu Reeves’ works with trainer, Patrick Murphy, to help him stay in shape. Murphy tells GQ, “Keanu is second to none when it comes to focus and effort for a physical role. He 110% gives it his all, day in and day out. It’s one of the many reasons why he is respected by so many who work with him.”

6. Robert Pattinson

Hollywood,,Ca,Usa,-,Nov,16,2019:,Robert,Pattinson,ArrivesShutterstock

In an interview with The Evening Standard, Robert Pattinson talked about his approach to diet and exercise. He says that he doesn’t want to obsess over his diet and calories. “Watching your calorie intake is extraordinarily addictive — you don’t quite realise how insidious it is.”

7. Zoe Saldana

London,,United,Kingdom,-,December,04,,2022:,Zoe,Saldana,AttendsShutterstock

Zoe Saldana opened up about her approach to wellness in an interview with Shape. “I can't work out regularly, so I compensate by eating a lot healthier than I might otherwise,” she explains. “Once you have relatively healthy eating habits, your workout can become playing with your kids, strolling around the neighbourhood, playing airplane, or just changing diapers.”

8. Emily Blunt

Emily,Blunt,Attends,American,Institute,For,Stuttering,17th,Annual,GalaShutterstock

Emily Blunt shared one of her biggest wellness hacks with Glamour. "I would say if you feel yourself coming down with a cold, which I'm like the worst person to nominate this because I sound horrible today - tail end of laryngitis. But... oil of oregano. You sort of just throw a few drops down there. It's disgusting, you burn your throat but I do tend to find it shortens the cold."

9. Chris Pine

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,March,26,,2023:,Chris,Pine,At,TheShutterstock

Chris Pine opened up about his life and career to Men’s Journal. He says that he has reached a point of comfort in his career. “I realized after Star Trek that I’d achieved a lot, I was financially independent; but something about my way of going about life wasn’t satisfying me. So I made a decision that my main objective is to be happier, as opposed to more successful. That’s what I want.”

10. Harrison Ford

Los,Angeles,-,Jan,26:,Harrison,Ford,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

In an interview with Esquire, Harrison Ford opened up about what he’s learned in life. “We look for ourselves, and we look for useful information to help us navigate our fucking lives and the world that we’re living in,” he says. “We don’t realize we’re looking for that. But we’re looking to pull out of a fantasy something that’s useful to us. And what’s useful to us is to emotionally participate in things outside of our own lives.”

11. Matt Damon

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Matt Damon’s trainer, Jason Walsh, opened up about how the actor got in shape to Thrillist. Damon was a fan of using the VersaClimber. "On the VersaClimber, he would end up averaging 4,000ft or 4,500ft, which we would do in 30 minutes. Which is really, really good. That's a lot of work in a very, very short amount of time."

12. Jude Law

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Jude Law works with trainer, Johnny Silmon, to help him stay in shape. “Jude always puts a good shift in,” Silmon tells Men’s Journal. In addition to their five sessions a week, Law does an additional two or three on his own. “For the project it wasn’t about hitting a number, it was about making him feel comfortable as an enforcer.”

13. Ryan Gosling

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Ryan Gosling works with trainer, Arin Babaian, to help him stay in shape. He opened up about how Gosling prepped for La La Land to Men’s Journal. “I used our days to build up his legs, core, and back,” says Babaian. “Those were the elements that were going to allow him to carry his own bodyweight and have complete control over his movements. If you are going to be picking people up over your head, you had better be pretty strong.”

14. Jake Gyllenhaal

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In an interview with TODAY, Jake Gyllenhaal opened up about how he got into eating a plant based diet. “My father was already healthy going up and trying different things. he was the first person to introduce me to soy milk. He cooked things with tofu. When you have models like that, it influences you. I think that's been passed onto me."

15. Amy Adams

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Amy Adams is a big fan of Pilates. She works with instructor, Nonna Gleyzer, to help her stay in shape. Gleyzer has several celebrity clients, and opened up about how she approaches working them with E! News. "The goal with them was to make sure they all looked good on film, so we did a lot of elongating posture-focused exercises.”

16. Michael Fassbender

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To help him get in shape for Assassin’s Creed, Michael Fassbender worked with trainer David Kingsbury. He talked about working with Fassbender to Men’s Journal. “If we had a long day, we would transition at some point into Muay Thai or boxing, because it helped get the right look aesthetically, not to mention that it was also helpful for their combat work in the movie.”

17. Milla Jovovich

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Milla Jovovich opened up about her diet in an interview with People. She says that she makes sure that her way of eating is sustainable, and shared her approach. “To be honest, I just found that making sure that 80 percent of my diet during the week is vegetable-based and everything else is just smaller portions, helped my skin, helped my energy levels, just helped everything.”

18. Adam Driver

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Adam Driver works with trainer, Simon Waterson, to help him stay in shape for the Star Wars movies. He shared some of Driver’s workouts and approach to fitness with Men’s Journal. “These workouts were all about the tempo and transitions,” says Waterson. “The movements should be fluid, like one continuous exercise without sacrificing form.”

19. Sam Worthington

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In an interview with Variety, Sam Worthington talked about how his sobriety has affected his life and career. He says that this comes into play with picking roles. “If I can’t bring anything to it, I’m not going to go and be involved in it,” he says. “I don’t want to do that again. I don’t want to just be the action figure standing in the front. And that’s OK. It takes a lot to understand what you do want from this industry.”

20. Sandra Bullock

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Sandra Bullock’s facialist, Georgia Louise, talked about the actress’ skincare routine to People. "I wanted to give [Bullock] something that would transform her skin without the need to undergo lasers, so I loaded up her bespoke facial with something that would give her long-lasting results. I have text threads which would blow your mind from celebrities, asking for the 'penis treatment' all the time now!"

Beverly,Hills,,Ca.,March,12,,2023:,Rebel,Wilson,At,The
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FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

In the glamorous world of entertainment, personal transformations often occur in the public eye, inspiring countless fans and followers. Weight loss is one such journey that many celebrities have undertaken, proving that determination, resilience, and the right mindset can lead to incredible results. These 20 stars have not only shed pounds but have also shared their unique stories, shedding light on the challenges, successes, and methodologies behind their transformations. From dietary changes to surgeries, their routes to better health and confidence vary. Dive in to discover the inspiring stories of these stars who have melted fat and transformed their lives.


1. Josh Peck

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Josh Peck talked about his weight loss in an interview with Men’s Health. He said that once he lost weight, he had to change how he worked out. "Inevitably, when I got that big I wasn't really able to keep up. When I eventually lost a hundred pounds, that journey was very specific to me, because I had to learn how to do one pushup, or one pullup." Peck says that he likes CrossFit and Tabata.

2. Rebel Wilson

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Rebel Wilson notably lost a lot of weight, and attributes it to a change in her diet. "Before I was probably eating 3,000 calories most days, and because they were normally carbs, I would still be hungry," she told People. "So, I've really changed to eating a high-protein diet, which is challenging because I didn’t use to eat a lot of meat."

3. Billy Gardell

Byron Allen's 5th Annual Oscar Gala 2023 Benefiting Children's Hospital Los AngelesUnique Nicole/Getty Images

Billy Gardell talked about his weight loss in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. He said that during the pandemic he changed his diet and got bariatric surgery. “I think you got to find peace with yourself and at some point, look in the mirror and go, 'You know, it's probably time to take care of you.' And I didn't get that note early on. But I'm a big believer that when you get it, you get it. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as you get it."

4. Trace Cyrus

Tom Ford AW20 Show - ArrivalsSteve Granitz/WireImage

Last year, Trace Cyrus showed off his weight loss on Instagram, and wrote about how he got there in the caption. “The picture on the left is what I looked like at the end of last year. I was mentally destroyed & it really affected my physical health. The pic on the right is me now. Your mindset is everything. It can be your greatest asset or your worst enemy. F—ck motivation. Stay dedicated!”

5. Randy Jackson

World's Big Sleep Out At The Rose Bowl For HomelessnessPaul Archuleta/Getty Images

Randy Jackson got gastric bypass surgery in 2003. He shared about how he managed the weight since in a tip for Unify Health Labs. “You have to change the way you think about food. You have to almost have a complete divorce breakup ... and start back bit by bit and find out the things that work with your body."

6. Gregory Gourdet

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Top Chef alum, Gregory Gourdet opened up about his weight loss on Instagram during the pandemic. “At my highest weight ever, I pressed the health reset button in July. But everything that had worked in the past including yoga and intermittent fasting just wasn’t working. I power walked on a treadmill for months until my therapist told me I could run again. I went keto for the first time and extended my fasting to 20 to 24 hours a few days a week and finally started losing the extra weight.”

7. Grant Gustin

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Grant Gustin talked about his weight loss and mental health on Instagram."I will always be a work in progress, but I’m proud of myself for taking steps I wish I could’ve taken a long time ago to be a better version of myself physically and mentally - not only for myself but also for the people around me. All this to say, around episode 2 or 3 of season 7, Flash is gonna have a little bit of beef on his lanky frame. But more importantly I feel much happier and more present than I have in a long time."

8. Ross Mathews

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Ross Mathews opened up about his weight loss in November 2020 on Instagram. “Breaking the pattern,” he wrote. “50lbs down today from my height in early June when I decided to reclaim my health after my mom died (70lbs down from my all-time),” he wrote via Instagram. “I will always be a work in progress. I may mess up again. I dunno. All I know is that I’m very grateful. And very happy. 🥰 On we go... ❤️.”

9. Adrienne Bailon

Billboard Women In Music - ArrivalsMichael Buckner/Getty Images

In May 2020, Adrienne Bailon talked about her weight loss and wellness on Instagram. “I'm constantly reminding myself that the greatest form of self love - is self discipline! They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit... I just want to encourage you to take this time to develop healthy habits! Drink your water, squat, rest, read, pray, take your vitamins, eat your veggies! (Preaching to myself to keep going! Lol) It’s a new month! Let's do this!"

10. Katie Maloney

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Katie Maloney has been open about her struggles with her weight. On her Instagram story, she said that she sought help from a nutritionist and a doctor when she thought she had thyroid issues. "I think it’s really important to also check up on your health because even though it wasn’t a thyroid thing, I did discover that my glucose levels were pretty high and that could’ve led to some maybe pre-diabetic problems."

11. Fat Joe

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - ArrivalsTaylor Hill/Getty Images

Rapper Fat Joe talked about his weight loss and the public’s reaction to it to Men’s Health. “Here I was, giving confidence to oversized people, and they felt like I flat left them. They didn’t realize I was just thinking about, yo, I really wanna be here for a long time. I really want to work out. I really want to be healthy. I wanna be here.”

12. Eric Andre

Full Bloom: The 2023 Moth Ball Honoring Hasan MinhajRoy Rochlin/Getty Images

Eric Andre shared how he decided to get healthier after filming a season of The Eric Andre Show to Men’s Health. “I lost my mind. I ate a whole pizza. The day I wrapped, I woke up. I went to Russ and Daughters and ate a bagel. I was like a pig … I drank my weight in wine. When I got back, I stepped on the scale and I undid all six months of work.”

13. Shay Mooney

CMA Fest 2023 - Day 1Jason Kempin/Getty Images

For Shay Mooney, weight loss is all about staying consistent. He talked about this on an Instagram post. “Consistency. I changed my entire world in 6 months. No gimmicks or fads. Just consistency. If that tired guy on the left can do it, so can you.”

14. John Goodman

Party At The Palm Beach - 62nd Monte Carlo TV FestivalPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

John Goodman told ABC that he had to change his approach to wellness and losing weight as he’s gotten older. “In the old days, I would take three months out, lose 60 or 70 pounds, and then reward myself with a six-pack or whatever and just go back to my old habits. This time I wanted to do it slowly. Move, exercise. I’m getting to the age where I can’t afford to sit still anymore.”

15. AJ McLean

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AJ McLean is open about his struggles with addiction. He revealed to TODAY that cutting out alcohol is a big reason for his weight loss, and shared how he stuck with it. "I'd tell myself, 'I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this. I am going to be the best version of myself. I’m proud.”

16. Shay Mitchell

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After having her first child, Shay Mitchell opened up about the weight loss process on Instagram. She says that she’s making sure to keep things simple, so she can complete them. “A clear start, a clear finish and something that I could totally commit to. I have loved getting up these last four weeks and having a routine and a challenge to start the day. I feel more healthy, energetic and engaged …which makes a better me.”

17. Shannon Beador

Legends Ball - 2022 BravoConSantiago Felipe/Getty Images

Shannon Beador is open about her struggles with weight. She revealed that when she created her linne of healthy foods, it helped her eat better. “With the QVC food lines, I’ve launched a healthy, lower-calorie food line, so I’m in the kitchen a lot trying to fine tune my recipes for more meals, and so I’m eating a lot better,” she told BravoTV. “Diet is key. Exercise is great [too], because you want to tone up.”

18. Melissa McCarthy

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Melissa McCarthy is all about giving women confidence. “We have to stop categorizing and judging women based on their bodies,” she said on Instagram in 2016. “We are teaching young girls to strive for unattainable perfection instead of feeling healthy and happy in their own skin.”

19. Kevin Smith

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After a heart attack in 2018, Kevin Smith decided to make a lot of lifestyle changes. He shared some of them on Instagram three months after the heart attack. "I've lost 37 out of the 50 lbs. the doc told me to drop, with 13 more pounds to go to hit my goal — and I lost the last 5 eating fun foods that I actually like!"

20. Jordin Sparks

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Jordin Sparks shared her weight loss secrets with Us Weekly at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. She says that her main secret was changing her diet. "I stop now when I'm full," she shared. "I love food and I love to eat. My thing was, do I really need seconds or do I want it just because it tastes good?"

Celeb News

20 Amazing Over-30 Bodies 

Here’s how they stay fit.

73rd Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals
Rich Fury/Getty Images
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Kaley Cuoco. Margot Robbie. Zac Efron. Inspired by the latest health trends, here we delve into the fitness secrets of 20 remarkable individuals—all in their 30s—who have defied the notion that full-on adulthood hinders physical prowess. Uncover the inspiring stories behind their enviable physiques. From renowned celebrities to athletic superstars, these over-30 figures have mastered the art of maintaining their bodies amidst busy lives and demanding careers. It’s a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and self-care. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to embark on your own fitness journey, no matter your age


1. Ciara

Giambattista Valli : Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024Stephane Cardinale/Getty Images

The “Goodies” songstress revealed to Women’s Health that she’s had to make some changes to her workout. "I've accepted that my body will never be what it used to be. I have diastasis recti, which is when your ab muscles split after birth. When I learned this, it was game-changing because you can train wrong for your abs. I had to educate myself on that and learn to retrain my abs."

2. Katy Perry

Tiffany & Co. Celebrates Reopening Of NYC Flagship Store, The LandmarkDimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The “Hot & Cold” songstress tells Prevention that she’s a fan of Transcendental Meditation®. “It clears my head completely,” Perry says. “And it ignites something in my brain. I get some of my best creative ideas when I’m TM®’ing. For me, TM® has been anxiety-reducing, depression-reducing, great for jet lag, hangovers, mood swings. Anytime I’m in a funky mood, I’m like, ‘give me 20 minutes.’”

3. Kaley Cuoco

73rd Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsRich Fury/Getty Images

Kaley Cuoco works with trainer, Ryan Sorensen, to help her stay in shape. Sorensen opened up about working with Cuoco in an interview with E! News. "Kaley had shoulder surgery and was doing her rehab with me. Once the pandemic hit, I left and started my own business and Kaley came over with me. She's like, 'Hey, why don't we just build a gym in my garage and you can train me there?' I was like, 'Perfect.'"

4. Lady Gaga

28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Lady Gaga revealed on this Instagram post that she’s a big fan of Pilates. In the photo, she is seen using a reformer. Gaga captioned the post, “Another morning of Pilates and rock n roll with my trainer!! Body by @sloaner7 Dear Sloan, thank you for believing in me and being my health rock. You're the best I couldn't do it without you!”

5. Chris Hemsworth

Marvel Studios "Thor: Love And Thunder" Los Angeles PremiereAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Hemsworth plays Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He works with trainer Luke Zocchi to keep himself in shape. Zocchi opened up about working with Hemsworth in an interview with Page Six. “Chris takes it very, very seriously, and the shape he gets into, it’s phenomenal,” he said. “There’s a real process that goes into achieving these goals. But I think over the last 10 years, we’ve managed to come up with ways to do that.”

6. Liam Hemsworth

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The Hunger Games star is in just as good shape as his older brother, Chris. Hemsworth shared some of his workout secrets in an interview with Australian Men’s Health. “It’s just high intensity. A mixture of calisthenics, sled pulls, sled push and lots of free-weight stuff. But we don’t stop for the 60 minutes. You’re sweating and breathing hard, but also moving a lot of weight as well.”

7. Daniel Radcliffe

"The Lost City" UK Special ScreeningJeff Spicer/Getty Images

The former Harry Potter star opened up about growing up in the spotlight in an interview with GQ. He says that he has learned to roll with whatever is thrown at him. “Sometimes if you’re denying the reality of what's going on, that can actually make your life harder to live. It took a long time, is what I'm saying. But my late teens or early 20s was where I was like, ‘You have to accept life is gonna be different for you.’”

8. Margot Robbie

"Babylon" Australian PremiereBrendon Thorne/Getty Images

Robbie made sure to get in great shape for her roles in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and I, Tonya, as well as for her upcoming role in the Barbie film. She shared some of her favorite workouts in an interview with Women’s Health UK. "I found boxing sessions and fighting practice for Suicide Squad really fun, but quickly realised I wasn’t so much a fan of lifting weights. When I’m not preparing for a role, I prefer to do workouts I really like, such as dance classes or playing tennis with friends."

9. Zac Efron

2022 Toronto International Film Festival - "The Greatest Beer Run Ever" PremiereRodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Zac Efron opened up about his diet and workouts secrets in a video with Men’s Health. “Sometimes when you’re on set, I give myself permission now to sort of let up and eat what I need to eat,” he revealed. “It’s not the time or the place to put pressure on yourself.” Efron also says that he intermittently fasts, but in a sustainable way.

10. Robert Pattinson

Dior Fall 2023 Menswear Collection  - PhotocallStephane Cardinale/Getty Images

The Twilight and Batman star is pretty tight-lipped about his diet and workout routine. He told the Evening Standard that he doesn’t want himself or others to fall into unhealthy habits by obsessing over his diet and exercise. “It’s very, very easy to fall into that pattern as well, even if you’re just watching your calorie intake, it’s extraordinarily addictive — and you don’t quite realise how insidious it is until it’s too late.” Pattinson admitted in the interview that he had done some bad diets in the past, and avoided them ever since.

11. Grant Gustin

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In 2021, Grant Gustin opened up about his wellness journey while filming The Flashon Instagram. “A little progress report from last season to this season,” he wrote in the caption. “About 7 months ago I finally decided to break my cycle of not taking care of myself as well as I should. As many of you may know, I've had anxiety and sometimes depression for as long as I can remember. Over the last 7-10 years or so as I've been more of a "public figure" and had a busier schedule, my anxiety only got worse. It has always had a terrible affect on my appetite and just motivation in general. That's included eating better(and more), working out, daily meditation, and just trying to be more present and happy with who I am. It's honestly one of the reasons you've seen a lot less of me on social media.”

12. Alex Morgan

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The soccer star has to stay in shape in order to play her best. Morgan tells The Beet that she follows a plant-based diet. “I didn't feel good eating this meat that was part of that. I didn't want to support that. It's so unnatural, the way animals live and die. And as I started to go more plant-based, first giving up meat and then giving up dairy, I realized the health benefits. I would get reports from my doctor, and my cholesterol dropped in half, which is crazy. All of my blood work which I do every few months was better. And my recovery was much better, I wasn't fatiguing as much. So it benefited me all around. I was fearful it would affect soccer in a detrimental way but it was the opposite. It made me feel better.”

13. Sharna Burgess

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Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess isn’t just relying on ballroom dancing to keep herself in shape. She shared some of her favorite workouts in an interview with Us Weekly. “I’m a big fan of Tabata because you get so much work done so quickly and you don’t even realize it. You’re sticking to a schedule, you can’t mosey about. You’re in and you’re out in eight minutes with this one.”

14. Peta Murgatroyd

2022 ESPYs - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

After having her first child, Dancing With The Stars pro, Peta Murgatroyd, picked up cooking to make sure she and her family were eating healthy. “I have fallen in love with cooking for my little family,” she told People. “I used to loathe it, because I never had to do it and therefore never had the passion for it. Now that I’m a mother, and I am concerned with what my child is eating, I am more inclined to cook at home, to ensure I know exactly what’s going in his mouth.”

15. Jenna Ushkowitz

AdoptTogether Baby Ball GalaMichael Kovac/Getty Images

Actress and podcast host, Jenna Ushkowitz, opened up about her wellness secrets in an interview withInTouch Weekly. She says that she is doing things to improve her sleep, especially after having a baby. “Since we have begun sleep training our 5-month-old daughter, I’ve set myself a new personal goal: getting back to eight hours of sleep. My new ritual: non-habit forming, melatonin free, plant-based Social CBD Gummies for Sleep. It’s got all the good stuff like valerian root and lemon balm and — when paired with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills— it’s become my secret antidote to winding down.”

16. Candice Swanepoel

"Cyrano" Red Carpet - The Red Sea International Film FestivalDaniele Venturelli/Getty Images

The model opened up about her diet in an interview with InStyle. "It's all about balance for me,” she says. “One meal in the day will be lighter than others, probably during lunch I will [eat something] heavier so that my body has time to burn it off. Night-time is something lighter, and I will always have a big breakfast."

17. Taron Egerton

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Taron Egerton opened up about how he got fit for his role in Bargain For Redemption in an interview with The Sunday Project. “Lots of Weightlifting, an hour on the bike everyday,” he said. “Just depleting your calories and having enough time to get to the place you want to get. It was good, though. I have never done it to that extent before, but it was good.”

18. Joe Jonas

2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - ArrivalsArturo Holmes/FilmMagic

The singer and actor opened up about his diet and exercise in an interview with GQ. He says that he believes in eating a balanced diet, and finding healthy versions of his favorite indulgences. “I also know putting the right food in my body is important. Obviously, that's not saying that sometimes I don't indulge. I'm big on dark chocolate—my favorite is the Lindt Excellence with a touch of sea salt."

19. Theo James

29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

Actor Theo James shared some of his favorite workouts in a 2016 interview with Marie Claire. “I’ve boxed for a long time, I do it for fun. I love all the things that go along with boxing – you wrap-up, you put on the headgear, you spar, you skip, hit the speed bag, hit some pads. I go to the same place in London, another place in New York and another in LA. So when I touch-down, I often known where I’m going to go to. They’re local boxing spots – you know, a bit grimy but very atmospheric.”

20. Austin Butler

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To prepare for his role in Elvis, Austin Butler worked with trainer Ryan Gambin. “He really takes his job seriously,” Gambin said of Butler in an interview with The Courier Mail. “And obviously Elvis has a lot to do with his hip movement, so we were doing a lot of hip-dominant exercises, We didn’t have any strength goals … But we pretty much focused everything around his hips."

Celeb News

20 Movie Stars Who Got Superfit For Roles

Discovering the dedication and hard work.

"Asteroid City" New York Premiere
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Getting into incredible shape for movie roles is a common practice among Hollywood actors, and it often requires intense physical training and dedicated fitness routines. In this article, we will explore the stories of 20 movie stars who went above and beyond to transform their bodies for the characters they portrayed on the big screen. From Alicia Vikander's rigorous weightlifting and nutrition plan to Tom Hardy's unconventional approach to muscle conditioning, these actors pushed their limits to achieve the desired results. Join us as we delve into the fitness journeys of Christian Bale, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and many more, discovering the dedication and hard work behind their impressive on-screen transformations.


1. Alicia Vikander

U.S. Premiere Of "Tomb Raider"Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Alicia Vikander played young Lara Croft in the 2017 film Tomb Raider. Naturally, she had to get in shape to play the iconic character. Vikander worked with trainer Magnus Lygdback, and he opened up about the process in an interview with SELF. He says that he made sure to build muscle by having her weight lift and movement train. "Seven months before filming, I started Alicia on a nutrition plan for her to gain muscle and to boost her metabolism.” Lygdback said.

2. Christian Bale

2019 Toronto International Film Festival - "Ford v Ferrari"  Press ConferenceKevin Winter/Getty Images

Christian Bale opened up about his career in an interview with GQ. He says that he has a lot of gratitude for all his success, but also has a healthy balance. “I’m totally grateful and surprised that I get to keep working, right? And you have to maintain that gratitude. But within that gratitude, that mustn’t mean you let standards slip, right? It doesn’t mean you start going, ‘Oh, I’m so happy and grateful to be working at all, because I never expected this in my life,’ which is all true. But that gratitude must turn into, therefore, ‘I must do things as absolutely well as I possibly can.’ But you get passionate characters in the world of filmmaking, right? Because sometimes caring can come across as a certain way for people who might, uh, get a bit overexcited at times.”

3. Hugh Jackman

Sony Pictures Classics & Cinema Society Host "The Son" New York ScreeningArturo Holmes/Getty Images

In an interview with Deadline, Hugh Jackman talked about what he’s learned in his career. “I think professionally, what I learned was a sense of trust in myself and in my other actors and allowing things to open up on the day and not to control things too much. To let go more. Trust my instincts more.”

4. Charlize Theron

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In addition to acting, Charlize Theron is a spokeswoman for Dior. She opened up about the impact some of her ads have had in an interview with RedOnline. “Climbing. Being a strong woman is being a vulnerable woman. Great strength comes from great hardship and heartache. Having to pick yourself up by your bootstraps. We’re probably all born with a certain amount of strength, but I think it gets galvanised the more we experience in life.”

5. Tom Hardy

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Tom Hardy has played a lot of roles. He shared how he got in shape to play Charles Bronson in an interview with askmen. "When it came to conditioning my body for the role of Charles Bronson there was no official regime: I did very non-specific exercises such as press ups, push ups, abs work and resistance training. My approach was to do a lot of repetitions in order to send messages to my muscles: this helps them start to grow in a way that you can’t make them in the gym."

6. Zac Efron

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Zac Efron and his Baywatch co-stars worked with Patrick Murphy to get in shape for the film. Murphy talked about working with Efron to Men’s Journal. “With Zac, I helped him create positive adaptations for perfect posture and alignment, all the while going through a very high-intensity program. I also plan ahead. I consider what type of supersets I’m slating for every workout. With Zac, it was ever-changing. I trained him for several months, and he never went through the same exact workout twice. That's how you avoid plateaus. I saw him daily, too, so it was amazing what happened.”

7. Michael B. Jordan

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In an interview with GQ, Michael B. Jordan opened up about how he got in shape for the recent Creed film. “When I was on my own, I would do a lot more callisthenics — I would do a lot of pull-ups, I would do a lot of boxing techniques, exercises that would just naturally tighten me up. I didn't hit legs as much as I probably should have on this one, but I really focused a lot on my back.”

8. Chris Hemsworth

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Chris Hemsworth works with trainer Luke Zocchi to get himself in shape for roles. Zocchi shared some of Hemsworth’s diet secrets in a video with Centr. "He's a big fan of steak. So, steak, some good carbs a la brown rice, sweet potatoes. If we weren't so organized, he'd definitely have a protein shake... A go-to shake he likes to do is a banana, two dates, almond milk, and a scoop of protein."

9. Elizabeth Olsen

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In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth Olsen broke down her typical morning routine. She shared some of her workout secrets. “I started doing Tracy Anderson. It’s a very good workout. I do the ones where you work with bands, because I can’t be doing [dance workouts]. That’s a step too far.”

10. Mark Wahlberg

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In an interview with GQ, Mark Wahlberg revealed that he has started intermittent fasting. "I’ll kinda splurge here and there, but it’s frustrating because later on in life I figure I found the secret to being able to eat more—or indulge more often—if I was intermittent fasting. So finding out about fasting when I was 50 years old was a little bit frustrating! I would eat a lot of small meals—buying into different philosophies at different times. But I feel like the fasting thing works the best."

11. Margot Robbie

Celebrities Attend "Barbie" Celebration PartyJames Gourley/Getty Images

Margot Robbie has amazing skin, and she makes sure to take care of it. She told The Skincare Edit that her routine is pretty simple. “It’s all the things that we knew all along,” she says. “Wear SPF, drink lots of water, get enough sleep. Ultimately, you realise, Oh yeah, I do look my best when I’ve had 10 hours of sleep and drunk a litre of water. It’s the simple things that work.”

12. Anne Hathaway

Valentino : Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

In an interview with Allure, Anne Hathaway revealed her skincare secrets. She says that she likes to make her own products, and shared what ingredients she uses. “Beeswax pellets, cocoa butter, and mica powder. I make my own products whenever possible (I try to buy the initial ingredients in nonplastic containers, which is harder than it should be) and store them in glass or biodegradable materials. Right now, I’m planning to make my own body shimmer.”

13. Emma Stone

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In an interview with Women’s Health, Emma Stone’s trainer, Jason Walsh, shared how the actress got in shape for La La Land. “For something like La La Land, where you’re dancing all day long, you want to be resilient and strong so that you can handle that sort of volume all day…Deadlifts are great for overall body strength, and single-leg squats are more for stability and mobility in each hip.” Walsh also said that there were some workouts they avoided. “Running is very stressful on the body, and the last thing I want her to do is go running in the middle of the week while we’re doing strength training on top of dancing.”

14. Jason Momoa

Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's "Slumberland" - ArrivalsJon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jason Momoa’s trainer, Damien Viera, opened up about the actor’s diet to Men’s Journal. “Carbs are a very important part of the nutrition used for fuel,” explains Viera. “Jason couldn’t do something like a ketogenic diet, because he needs readily charged energy from carbs to be explosive. And when I say carbs, I’m not talking about breads and pastas—those are long gone. I’m talking about cruciferous vegetables and fruits. You can’t train the way we do with fat for fuel; you need the carbs for explosive movements.”

15. Jamie Foxx

2018 Tribeca Film Festival - Tribeca Talks: Storytellers - Jamie FoxxPaul Zimmerman/WireImage

Jamie Foxx revealed to Men’s Health that he likes to workout in the morning. "I do that as soon as I get out of bed and that way I get it out of the way so I don't have the anxiety, and I just get through it. If you do a little bit of that every day, pretty soon you'll start to build up your endurance." Foxx also said that his typical workout includes pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and back extensions.

16. Scarlett Johansson

"Asteroid City" New York PremiereTaylor Hill/FilmMagic

Scarlett Johansson works with trainer, Eric Johnson, to help her get in shape to play Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a 2019 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Johnson said that he had the actress carb cycle to prep for Avengers: Endgame. “She cycled through days of high carbohydrates and low fat consumption, versus low carbohydrates and higher fat while maintaining protein intake.”

17. Idris Elba

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Idris Elba shared some of his fitness secrets in an interview with Men’s Fitness. He says that dropping pounds is easy for him. "When I was younger, I could never put weight on, and now that I'm a little older, there's a natural sort of chubbiness coming," he says. "But honestly, if I work out for a week, it drops off in no time."

18. Brie Larson

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Brie Larson has amazing skin. And she shared some of her secrets with Vogue. Larson says that she keeps her skincare and makeup pretty simple. “My personal routine is very simple, mostly because I’m a little lazy, but the other part is because it allows my skin a bit of recharging and breathing,” she says. “I have to travel a lot for work, so finding tricks like this that allow me to feel like I have a bit of ritual—taking care of myself [without] a big lift—is lovely.”

19. Constance Wu

"The Terminal List" Los Angeles Premiere - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Constance Wu shared some of her wellness secrets in a 2016 interview with Health. She says that running is her go-to workout. “When I'm not working, I run, like, six miles a day. I listen to old Broadway musicals, like The Sound of Music or A Chorus Line. If I'm doing a longer run, I'll listen to a podcast. There's a podcast about puns I like called Punk Assed. It's pretty funny!"

20. Lili Reinhart

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Lili Reinhart often speaks out against unhealthy beauty standards. She opened up about why she does this to IndieWire. "When someone is talking about disordered eating or promoting unhealthy habits, that's where I have to step in," she explained. "I'm thinking, 'You're harming me and you're triggering me, which means you must be triggering millions of other people who are hearing what you say.' It gets me in hot water, but I guess I'd rather be in hot water than just be someone who doesn't stand for anything."

Fitness

Sharvari's Beach Workout is Hardcore Tire Training in Black Outfit

Discover how rising star Sharvari dominates the fitness game with strength training, yoga, padel, boxing, and running.

Sharvari's Beach Workout is Hardcore Tire Training in Black Outfit
Prodip Guha/Getty Images

Sharvari isn’t just making waves in the film industry—she’s dominating the fitness game too. Known for her roles in Munjya, Maharaj, and Vedaa, the rising star proves that strength and discipline extend far beyond the big screen.
In her latest Instagram post, Sharvari showcased her grit with a hardcore beach workout, flipping a massive tire in the sand. Dressed in a sleek black workout set, she didn’t just make the workout look effortless—she made it look empowering. Adding a playful pun to her caption, she wrote, “Never tyre’d of a good beach workout.”
So, how does she stay in such incredible shape? From strength training to boxing, here’s a look at her go-to fitness moves.

She Strength Trains

In her Instagram post, Sharvari is seen doing a strength training exercise. The Mayo Clinic says that strength training has a lot of benefits. “Strength training can help you manage or lose weight, and it can increase your metabolism to help you burn more calories. Strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury. Building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age.”

She Does Yoga

Sharvari shares a lot of her favorite workouts on Instagram. One thing she likes to do is yoga. Sharvari posted this video of herself doing poses on her page. John Hopkins Medicine states that yoga is very beneficial. “Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.”

She Plays Padel

Sharvari likes to play padel to keep herself in shape. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself on the court. Playing padel has a lot of health benefits. Everybody Health & Leisure says, “It improves cardiovascular fitness, helps to build strength and endurance, enhances coordination and promotes overall physical and mental well-being. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to burn calories.”

She Boxes

Another thing that Sharvari does to keep herself in shape is box. She first picked this up when training for the film, Vedaa. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself punching a bag. Sharvari captioned the post, “BEAST MODE on for Vedaa! ⚠️☠️🥊 Took up boxing to become Vedaa... Now I am ready to pack a punch or be strong enough to take a brutal beating 💪#Vedaa coming to a theatre near you on August 15th.”

She Runs

Sharvari likes to run to keep herself in shape. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself running on the beach. She captioned the post, “Decided to seas the day!” Better Health says that running is very beneficial. “Regular running or jogging offers many health benefits. Running can: help to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise, strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, burn plenty of kilojoules, help maintain a healthy weight.”

Natasa Stankovic in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Wednesday Challenge"

Stankovic shares her go-to workout moves, from squats to lunges, cardio, Pilates, and strength training.

Entertainment India - March 2023
Prodip Guha/Getty Images

Natasa Stankovic isn’t just a content creator—she’s a fitness inspiration. Known for sharing intense workout sessions on Instagram, she keeps her followers motivated with creative exercise challenges and dynamic routines.

In her latest post, Stankovic teamed up with Aleksandar Illic for a lower body blast, pushing through variations of squats and lunges. Dressed in a sleek two-piece workout set, she captioned the session, “Wednesday challenge,” proving that fitness is all about consistency and fun.

So, how does she maintain her lean, strong physique? From strength training to Pilates, here’s a look at Stankovic’s go-to workout moves.

She Does Squats

Stankovic does squats to keep herself in shape, as you can see in her Instagram video. Piedmont says that this exercise has a lot of health benefits. “Whether you’re hoping to tone your muscles, strengthen your core or just improve overall health, squats are one of the best exercises you can do. Although the movements appear relatively simple, squats can take time to master. Joel Hardwick, ACSM EP-C, EIM2, an exercise physiologist at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center, says practice will pay off…Hardwick explains that squats are a compound, multi-joint movement, which means they exercise several muscle groups. When you perform a squat, you work your calves, quads, hamstrings, glutes, core and part of your back.”

She Does Lunges

Stankovic is also seen doing lunges in her Instagram video. The Mayo Clinic reports that lunges are very beneficial to do. “The lunge is a body resistance exercise that works the leg muscles. Specifically, the lunge targets the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles in the thigh, the gluteal muscles in the buttock, and to a lesser extent, the lower leg muscles. The lunge is a great conditioning exercise for many sports, especially those that involve lunging movements, such as tennis, basketball or soccer.”

She Does Cardio

Stankovic likes to do cardio workouts to keep herself in shape. She shared this video of herself doing fast box jumps in different directions on Instagram. Stankovic captioned it, “Morning cardio challenge.” Cardio exercises have a lot of benefits. The Cleveland Clinic says, “When you work your heart and other muscles of your body during cardio exercise, this increases oxygen supply to your whole body, allowing all muscles to work harder and more efficiently. Over time, regular cardio exercise allows your muscles to adapt to an increased workload, making regular activities seem easier.”

She Does Pilates

Stankovic shares a lot of her favorite workouts in an Instagram story highlight. In some of the stories, she is seen doing Pilates exercises on a reformer. Pilates is very beneficial. The Cleveland Clinic says, “One of the reasons Pilates is such a good workout is that it specifically focuses on building core strength.”

She Strength Trains

Stankovic likes to strength train to keep herself in shape. She shared this Instagram story of herself using dumbbells. ACE Fitness says that strength training and using weights has a lot of health benefits. “Strength training with heavy weights improves muscle definition. Muscle definition occurs as the result of muscles remaining in a state of semi-contraction and heavy strength training recruits the larger type II muscle fibers responsible for a muscle’s appearance.”

Kim French in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Real Results" Workout

Learn how she sculpts her powerhouse physique with deadlifts, lunges, squats, and more.

Kim French is more than just a personal trainer—she’s a fitness coach who empowers thousands through her Believe App and Instagram workouts. Known for her structured, effective home training plans, she proves that you don’t need a gym full of heavy weights to build serious strength.

In a recent Instagram post, French shared a glimpse of her at-home training, reminding followers that smart training delivers "REAL results." Rocking a sleek two-piece workout set, she showcased some of her go-to exercises, emphasizing that with the right strategy, anyone can see progress.

So what’s in her routine? From deadlifts to hip thrusts, here’s how French sculpts her powerhouse physique.

She Does Deadlifts

French is seen doing deadlifts in her Instagram post. This exercise has a lot of benefits. NASM says, “A Romanian deadlift is a hip-hinge pattern that works the hamstrings and glutes. It is a form of deadlift with noticeably less bend in the knee, leading to greater hamstring engagement than traditional deadlifts. The move was introduced to the masses in the 90s by Romanian weightlifter Nicu Vlad (an Olympic and World Weightlifting champion) and his coach Dragomir Cioroslan. The two invented the move to help Nicu strengthen his back for the clean and jerk. Today, RDLs are commonly used to strengthen the posterior chain, using the core muscles to stabilize and the hamstrings and glutes to drive the movement.”

She Does Lunges

Another exercise that French is seen doing in her Instagram post is lunges. NASM says that they are very beneficial. “The lunge is a versatile, simple and effective movement for lower body training. Various positions, planes of motion and speeds can all yield different training adaptations for the exerciser. Lunges are the gift that keeps on giving!”

She Does Squats

French is seen doing squats in her Instagram video. According to The Cleveland Clinic, squats are very beneficial. “Here’s a quick look at the many benefits of squats, also known as bodyweight squats or air squats: Works major muscle groups. Burns calories. Strengthens your core. Improves lower body strength. Enhances stability and balance. Betters your posture.”

She Does Hamstring Curls

French is seen doing hamstring curls in her Instagram post. According to The Mayo Clinic, hamstring curls are very beneficial. “The seated hamstring curl is an exercise you can do with a weight machine to work the muscles in the back of the thigh. As the name implies, the seated hamstring curl targets the hamstring muscles here in the back of the thigh. Strong hamstring muscles help to protect your ligaments in the knee.”

She Does Hip Thrusts

French shared this video on Instagram of herself doing hip thrusts. She captioned it, “Hip Thrusts are no doubt one of the best exercises for building your Glutes but of course with any exercise, the form has to be correct for you to see the maximum benefits…✖️ Feet too far forwards will engage your hamstrings more ✖️ Feet too close to you will engage your quads more ✔️ Feet placed so your calves are vertical will engage your glutes more.”