Learn more about Don Saladino and get a full transcript of this podcast here: barbend.com/don-saladino-fitn...
(Editor's Note: Our footage cut out around 25 minutes in, but the audio remains crisp throughout. We cut to a static graphic of Don at that mark so listeners can continue to enjoy the conversation!)
#DonSaladino is one of the fitness world’s most in-demand #celebritytrainers. A specialist in strength and physique for over 20 years, Don is perhaps best known for getting some of Hollywood’s biggest stars ready for massive on-screen roles: Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Ryan Gosling, and more. Don is also the founder and owner of #Drive495 gym in Manhattan.
In today’s episode, Don joins host David Thomas Tao to discuss building a list of Hollywood clientele, setting realistic expectations for physique and performance, and why some of the most celebrated trends in wellness can be downright harmful.
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Establishing himself as a fixture of New York City’s fitness scene (2:10)
Getting started in performance/fitness for golf (3:10)
Building a list of Hollywood clientele and getting movie stars ready for major roles (5:10)
Becoming Hugh Jackman’s trainer (7:02)
Helping JK Simmons get jacked (8:30)
The timeline of getting stars into action-ready shape: Ryan Gosling, Drew Powell, David Harbour, Blake Lively, and more (9:00)
Reps schemes and overcomplicating training (12:00)
Realistic expectations and coordinating with production companies (14:40)
The most impressive actor transformation for a role (15:20)
Methods for client assessment (17:35)
Ryan Gosling vs. Ryan Reynolds: Don has trained both (20:30)
Great people in fitness Don loves learning from (22:30)
Person Don most wants to converse with on a podcast (23:49)
Recovery methods and sifting through the nonsense (26:00)
Why we shouldn’t glorify super early-morning workouts (27:20)
Don’s career mistakes and looking back on business decisions in hindsight (28:35)
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