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566 Don Saladino- Trainer to the Hottest Hollywood Stars

·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Don Saladino got his first celebrity client, Hugh Jackman, because a friend was moving and had triplets.

This episode features host Eddie Ift interviewing celebrity fitness trainer Don Saladino, known for his work with Hollywood stars like Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Saladino transitioned from owning gyms in New York City to running an online training business from his custom-built home gym, which he calls "the barn." He explains that he left New York in 2020 after his gym leases expired, choosing a better lifestyle over a long commute. Saladino started his career as a trainer at Equinox in the late 1990s, specifically at the 19th Street and Broadway location. He recalls the corporate culture shift when Equinox was sold, leading to mass layoffs of trainers, which prompted him to open his own facility in 2005. The conversation shifts to the pitfalls of social media, where Saladino criticizes coaches who create clickbait content or falsely claim knowledge of celebrity workouts. He mentions a specific instance where another trainer inaccurately described Ryan Reynolds's training regimen before Saladino officially released his "Deadpool" program. Saladino emphasizes the importance of building a business through email lists and valuable content rather than chasing viral moments or vanity metrics. He shares an anecdote about how he got his first major celebrity client, Hugh Jackman, through a referral from a friend named Rico Wesleyan. Saladino dismisses the concept of being "self-made," stressing that everyone receives help and opportunities from others. The hosts bond over their shared history at Equinox, with Ift humorously admitting he was a terrible trainer who used the job to fund his comedy career and would sneak out for auditions. A memorable moment involves Saladino's rule for decision-making, inspired by a mentor who asked, "If this were on the cover of the Wall Street Journal tomorrow, would you be proud of it?" He also highlights the value of giving credit to other professionals, unlike some in the fitness industry. The discussion touches on the absurdity of viral content, with both hosts laughing over a video of a man falling from a bar onto wooden boards. The tone is casual and conversational, filled with personal stories and industry insights shared between two professionals with New York roots. It blends humor with serious commentary on business ethics and the modern digital landscape. Fitness enthusiasts and aspiring trainers will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at celebrity training and business advice. Listeners seeking a highly structured, topic-focused interview might find the lengthy, meandering personal anecdotes less engaging.

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