Don Saladino is one of the fitness world’s most in-demand trainers. 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 Drive 495 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.
In this episode of the BarBend Podcast, host David Thomas Tao talks to Don Saladino about:
- 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)
Relevant links and further reading:
