Dave Tate's Table Talk #371 Training The Rock & Zac Efron: A Former Marine on Building Superheroes | Aaron Williamson
Sep 30, 2025
Aaron Williamson, a Marine veteran and celebrity trainer, shares his inspiring journey from the military to training Hollywood stars like Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. He discusses how fitness aided his recovery from PTSD and homelessness, emphasizing the importance of mindset over quick fixes. Aaron highlights adapting military training for actors, the challenges of rapid transformations, and the evolving landscape of fitness during the pandemic. With a focus on longevity and purpose, he illustrates fitness as a pathway to resilience and community.
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From Homeless To Bodybuilding Comeback
- Aaron hit rock bottom after Iraq: bankruptcy, sleeping in his Toyota Corolla, and contemplating suicide.
- He rebuilt by getting certified, entering a local bodybuilding show, and using fitness as his lifeline.
Becoming A Marine Body Bearer
- Aaron joined the Marine Corps body bearer section and gained about 70 pounds in ~1.5 years to meet physical demands.
- Training emphasized heavy compound lifts, constant drilling, and relentless work to maintain ceremonial standards.
The Heaviest Casket At Arlington
- While carrying caskets at Arlington Aaron experienced one of the heaviest caskets with reinforced marble bottom and injured his neck during the carry.
- That event reinforced the physical standards and why size and strength requirements exist for the section.