Haley and Hanna Cavinder have spoken candidly about their remarkable six-month body transformation, marking a significant departure from their previous obsession with "chasing skinny." The social media stars, who first gained fame as standout college basketball players for the University of Miami Hurricanes, shared revealing side-by-side bikini photographs on Instagram this week to illustrate the dramatic changes in their now-toned and muscular physiques.
A Journey From Toxic Habits To Healthy Growth
The twins revealed that this muscular transformation followed almost three years after they first opened up about their struggles with "toxic" eating disorders. In a heartfelt caption accompanying their photos, they wrote: "We used to chase skinny. Which meant under eating, over-training, and wondering why nothing ever grew especially our glutes."
They elaborated on the flawed mindset that dominated their earlier years, stating: "For years we thought less food = better results. In reality, it just meant stalled progress, low energy, and bodies that couldn't change."
The Turning Point In Their Fitness Philosophy
The Cavinder sisters described their pivotal shift in approach, explaining: "Once we started eating enough, following intentional macros, and training with purpose that's when our bodies actually changed." They emphasised a crucial lesson for their followers: "Glute growth doesn't come from starving yourself. It comes from fueling muscle, recovering properly, and trusting the process."
This revelation directly inspired their business ventures, with the twins noting: "That's exactly why we built our macro program and the Twogether app to teach you how to eat for your body, not against it."
Confronting Eating Disorders And Comparison Culture
In a revealing 2023 YouTube video, Haley and Hanna detailed their difficult relationship with food and their experiences with anorexia nervosa. Hanna explained how their perfectionist tendencies contributed to problematic behaviours, saying: "If we're going to do something we're going to do it 100 percent. There's no in-between, so it's extreme. That's just kind of how our minds work."
The situation became particularly concerning when Hanna began "calorie counting" after their transfer from Fresno State to Miami in April 2022. She admitted: "It started getting very toxic with eating a certain amount of calories a day. But we're burning so many calories, we're not taking in enough."
The Dangerous Dynamics Of Twin Competition
The sisters described additional challenges including hormonal imbalances, hair loss, and constant comparisons on social media. Most alarmingly, they revealed their eating disorder had become a competition between them, with each twin trying to last longer without eating than the other.
Recognising their habits had spiralled into a serious problem, the pair sought professional help, turning to fitness guru Kathryne 'Kat' Padgett, former girlfriend of MLB icon Alex Rodriguez, who worked intensively with them on nutrition and recovery.
Recent Milestones And Public Appearances
The transformation has coincided with several high-profile moments in their careers. In June 2024, the twins walked the runway at the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show during Miami Swim Week, showcasing their confidence and physiques on an international stage.
Haley, who became engaged to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson in April 2023, recently revealed on TikTok that she's undertaking a "bridal bootcamp" to prepare for their upcoming wedding day.
Navigating Public Scrutiny And Personal Choices
The Cavinder sisters have remained transparent about various personal decisions, including their announcement last July that they had undergone breast augmentation surgery. Some followers expressed disappointment, insisting they were "perfect just the way they were," but the twins had teased the procedure earlier with a gym video featuring the audio: "Say goodbye to these little, itty, bitty t***ies, b****es ... because 24 hours from now, I'm gonna have a rack."
Building An Influencer Empire
The duo has successfully capitalised on their basketball fame to build a substantial social media presence, amassing 4.6 million followers on TikTok and accumulating an estimated wealth of around $4 million. Their journey from college athletes to influential fitness personalities continues to resonate with millions who follow their evolving approach to health, body image, and personal growth.
