They’re just like us: human beings of flesh and blood, and so, this transformation is doable.
Although they rely heavily on professional help, comprised of a team of doctors, nutritionists and fitness experts who monitor their weight loss/gain closely, the three major ingredients toward achieving this goal seem to be a special diet, rigorous workouts and an iron-will coupled with motivation.
Here are a few examples of major movie star body makeovers of the extreme variety.
Hilary Swank
Why she did it:
The double Oscar winner sculpted her slim frame for the lead role in 2004’s Million Dollar Baby.
How she did it:
The naturally slim actress gained nearly 20 pounds of raw muscle while training for the demanding role that ended up being her ticket toward a second Best Actress Oscar award (her first was for a tour de force turn as a transgendered individual in 1999’s Boys Don’t Cry).
Her workout routine included 2 hours of boxing daily, plus lifting weights 6 days a week.
“My back, my arms, my legs—everything changed,” Swank commented on her physique at the time, which she has since toned down to a more feminine look by cutting back on weightlifting and upping her Pilates and running.
Demi Moore
Why she did it:
Another role-inspired body transformation. This time, it was for Moore’s turn as a Navy SEAL, for 1997’s G.I. Jane.
How she did it:
Back in the late 1990s, Demi Moore’s life was quite different from today: she was married to Bruce Willis, she had a solid position in the acting community and, she had one of the most desired and talked about bodies in Hollywood.
The third may still be true, as the ex-Mrs. Kutcher is still holding her own when it comes to pretty perfect physiques. Especially considering the number of candles on her last birthday cake.
The actress bulked up her physique for the demanding role of a Navy SEAL by hours and hours of rigorous strength training. This enabled her to perform her own stunts (one-armed pushups, anyone?), though, the movie did not garner the success anticipated.
Nowadays, Demi opts for a more low key workout, citing Bikram yoga as a favorite.
Tom Hanks
Why he did it:
We can hardly forget Hanks’ startling transformation for his turn as a deserted island survivor in 2006’s Cast Away. The stunning role-inspired weight loss was not a first for Hanks – he lost 30 pounds in 1993 for his role in Philadelphia.
How he did it:
As a multiple Oscar winner, Tom Hanks has wowed us many times with his acting. He’s made us laugh, he’s made us cry and he’s made us sit back in astonishment at the shocking weight loss he endured to make his role as a desert island cast away in the movie of the same title. What is interesting here is that the Hanks’ work on the film was split: after filming the first half, production shut down for about a year, which was the time during which Hanks scaled down his weight from 225 to a mere 170 pounds.
Since the role called for a malnourished look, Hanks had to subscribe to an intense, calorie-controlled diet, leaving only one vice he couldn’t give up: coffee.
Angelina Jolie
Why she did it:
Before she became Brad’s main squeeze, Angelina squeezed some amazingness into her, let’s face it, already amazing body. Her role in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider called for a superhero type physique and Ms. Jolie’s slim frame needed some carefully arranged bulking up.
How she did it:
What got Angelina into the best shape of her life, as the actress herself noted, was an intense workout blend months prior to and during shooting. The courageous combo included kickboxing, scuba diving, sword fighting and street fighting. All of that was boosted by a high-protein diet of steamed vegetables and lean meat and as her drink of choice, Jolie opted for soy milk.
Matthew McConaughey
Why he did it:
For his much buzzed about turn as an HIV patient in the upcoming Dallas Buyers Club, McCounaughey has already lost nearly 40 pounds.
How he did it:
The substantial transformation of the now rail thin, almost unrecognizable actor, known for his uber-athletic physique, has us all a bit spooked, as intriguing as it may be.
McConaughey says he’s fine, however, noting that his weight loss is closely monitored, that his diet is mostly based on small amounts of fish and that the journey he is undergoing is “as much spiritual as it is physical.”
“Everything has shrunk quite a bit. … I don’t have the leverage I used to. I have body soreness, but I’m as healthy as can be. My blood pressure, everything’s fine,” noted the actor, who is also aware of what will come after, as getting back to his normal weight will be an even more demanding task.
To eliminate the risk of a form of diabetes and to prevent his body of going into shock, certain food groups, mainly carbs and sugars, will need to be added to his diet slowly and carefully.
He will, undoubtedly, rely on a team of doctors who are ensuring that his drastic weight loss does not leave any permanent damage to his system.
One thing is for sure: we can’t wait to see Matthew’s new film and are already looking forward to the return of his ripped body.
Cover photo: www.go4celebrity.com
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