(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Rutina Wesley says her body used to resemble a "diesel machine".

The American actress is best known for her role as Tara Thornton on the hit HBO series True Blood, where she stars alongside Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer.

The 32-year-old star has revealed that her body was "really big" when she was studying at the prestigious performing arts school, Juilliard. Rutina says she was eager to change her body frame in order to stay versatile for acting parts.

"When I studied at Juilliard, I did a lot of push ups and became this diesel machine," she told US weekly. "I was really big and was like this is not a good look for an ingnue."

Rutina insists that even though she likes to show off her sculpted arms, the attention she receives due to her impressive biceps makes her feel a little uncomfortable at times. The stunning star says she wants people to notice her other attributes and not just her muscular frame.

"I get so many compliments on them and I'm like, 'I know, stop talking about my arms! I'm not muscle woman!'" she laughed. (C) Cover Media