- Celebrity personal trainer Don Saladino says at 47 he is in the best shape of his life.
- Saladino continually challenges himself and strives to build muscle.
- His training regimen includes strength training, interval training, and hockey.
Don Saladino, a 47-year-old personal trainer, is in the best shape of his life.
“Is my body composition better now than it was in my 20s? Yes,” Saladino, whose clients include Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Sebastian Stan and Anne Hathaway, told Business Insider. spoke. “Am I as strong now as I was in my 20s? Yes. Can I still do everything I did in my 20s? 100%. Absolutely. My body is getting better and better. I feel like there is.” ”
Saladino’s goal is to continue to challenge himself and build muscle (without gaining body fat), and he said he’s calculating both his nutrition and training to achieve that. . Although his schedule changes frequently as he juggles work with high-profile clients and managing his company, online community He said he always finds time to train using the app.
“I feel really good and I enjoy my body reacting a certain way and looking a certain way,” said Saladino, who is based in New York. “As I get older, I feel like the more I focus on this, the more I get out of it.”
Saladino analyzed his workout and recovery methods.
Don Saladino (center) with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Provided by Don Saladino
Lift at least 4 times a week
Saladino lifts four times a week, splitting it into upper and lower body movements.
For three days, he will focus on powerlifting movements such as bench presses, low bar back squats, and snatch grip deadlifts. Day 4 focuses on pushing and pulling movements, such as overhead presses and pull-ups.
If he can incorporate a fifth lifting day into the week, Saladino will do supplemental movements such as arm exercises or interval training for abdominals.
Strength training has been established as the best way to increase muscle and bone density, which aids in fat loss.
Interval and steady state cardio
To improve his cardiovascular health, Saladino does intense interval training twice a week.
“It’s very short, about four minutes, but it’s very intense,” Saladino said.
He typically sprints on a curved treadmill or track, or uses an air bike, versaclimber, or ski erg.
I also do one steady-state cardio exercise, such as jogging or using a stairmill.
Research shows that doing aerobic exercise alongside weightlifting can help extend your longevity.
play hockey as a hobby
Don Saladino (second from left) plays hockey twice a week. Lars Niki/Getty Images
Saladino said he plays hockey twice a week, usually at 6:30 a.m.
For Saladino, hockey is both a fun group activity and a workout, but he said he pushes his body even harder during interval training.
“Playing the game is about scoring, winning and having fun, and the interval is about coming out at this time for this special reason,” Saladino said. “Sports are great for you. It’s very healthy, but I think it can be limiting in training certain energy systems because it’s unstructured.”
Research shows that social connections through group sports and meals with friends play an important role in health and longevity.
Cold plunge and sauna for recovery
Saladino says he’s a fan of cold plunges because his body often feels a little “unbalanced” after a hockey game.
“I really like how my body feels a little calmer,” Saladino said. “This really helps alleviate some of the lower back pain from playing.”
Saladino also likes saunas, where he often enters the cold temperature for two to three minutes. Research suggests that heat and cold therapy can help the body better manage stress, but research on ice baths to aid recovery and muscle growth is controversial.
“For someone my age who’s in the game right now, it’s, ‘How do I rinse and repeat and rinse and repeat?'” I come back every day and do what I love. ” Saladino said.
Saladino also uses Normatech massage boots and is experimenting with red light therapy for recovery. While the science may not be conclusive about the benefits of such recovery protocols, he doesn’t think that’s a reason not to try them.
Saladino is also aware of built-up fatigue and listens to his body when he needs to slow down and de-stress.
“We have to let our bodies recover,” he said.
