When it comes to achieving the chiseled physiques of Hollywood’s elite, many may find inspiration in the work of Don Saladino, a celebrated trainer. Renowned for his role in sculpting the bodies of stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and Hugh Jackman, Saladino has successfully navigated the intersection of fitness and celebrity culture for years.
Saladino launched his first gym in New York City in 2005, and after a decade and a half of operating traditional fitness spaces, he expanded his reach by establishing a global online fitness business. Today, he continues to train select A-listers while also assisting thousands of online clients. Recently, he teamed up with Thorne to offer products that have contributed to his and his clients’ impressive physiques.
While the transformations his celebrity clients undergo might seem extraordinary, Saladino reveals that their journeys may not be as intense as one might expect. Instead of pushing actors to achieve extreme bodybuilder levels, Saladino emphasizes functional movement and sustainable fitness habits tailored to individual needs.
- “I worked with Emily Blunt for years, and Emily has always had a great physique,” he comments. “She’s improved throughout time. But when I was working with Emily or Scarlett Johansson, whoever it was, when I had to get them ready for a role, the changes weren’t drastic.”
The occasional exception exists, such as Blake Lively, who had to prepare for a magazine cover just three months after giving birth. However, Saladino notes that most celebrities already possess commendable fitness levels prior to intense training regimens.
- “I think that’s where coaches mess up, because a lot of them go in with what they want, not really understanding what the client wants and what they need,” Saladino explains.
Many fitness professionals may roll their eyes at the concept of balance, yet Saladino believes it is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Continuous deprivation and relentless workout schedules can lead to burnout.
- “If Emily, for example, only needs three days a week, why am I going five?” he questions. “If she can go out and have some pizza or tequila on Saturday night, why not? Why are you going to deprive her of that? It doesn’t matter. Let her keep some normalcy in her life and enjoy it while she’s exercising and feeling fit.”
Ultimately, the true secret behind the toned appearances of Hollywood’s most famous faces is rooted in consistency and balance rather than fleeting diets or intense workout routines. While Saladino’s clients may frequently be under public scrutiny, their approach to fitness mirrors that of anyone striving to maintain their health and well-being. They engage in smart training, prioritize nutritious eating most of the time, and, importantly, embrace the idea that fitness should not be a form of punishment but rather a sustainable lifestyle choice.
As Saladino’s unique methodology emphasizes, achieving a fit and healthy body is about finding harmony between enjoyment and discipline. By advocating for a realistic balance in his clients’ fitness regimes, he sets a standard that resonates far beyond the world of Hollywood.
