Hollywood Transformations from Awkward to Awesome

Above my desk is a picture of a beautiful, strong yogi soaring in crow pose and the words “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” It’s easy to look at Hollywood stars, red carpet-ready, and believe that life is just easier for them. And let’s face it - in some ways, fitness is. Personal trainers. Chefs. It’s part of the job after all. But some of the first names that come to mind when you think "Hollywood Hottie" made the same journey the rest of us do. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was not quite so solid back in the 90s. But a shift to a strict clean diet and killer daily workouts has made his body the envy of countless fans worldwide. Man of Steel Henry Cavill was overweight as a child, called “Fat Cavill” and teased mercilessly. He phoned his mother from boarding school crying several times a day. When he decided to pursue acting at 17, he hit the gym and has never looked back. True Blood’s Joe Manganiello is unrecognizable in early photos. Beanpole-thin with glasses, he was bullied for his looks. He credits the perseverance he learned in those early clashes for the fighting spirit and commitment he still brings to his acting career and his workouts. Before the cameras and the contracts, these actors took up the challenge to change their bodies for the better. If success is really just dedication manifested, what else might we be building for ourselves when we’re pushing for that next personal best in the gym?