Inside Hollywood: Celebrity Trainer Reveals Secrets of Steroid Use
Curiosity about the jaw-dropping physique transformations of our favorite actors is natural, isn’t it? Well, guess what? We're finally getting some answers! Teaming up with Dr. Mike Israetel, and renowned trainer Don Saladino has given us an exclusive peek behind the scenes of coaching Hollywood stars. And yes, he’s dished out some insights on their use of performance enhancers.
With a stellar track record as a personal trainer in the heart of New York City, Don Saladino has won over the fitness world with his impressive portfolio. From sculpting Hugh Jackman into Wolverine for Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool to shaping Scarlett Johansson’s physique for Black Widow and David Harbour’s transformation for Hellboy, Saladino has left his mark.
Sitting down with exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel, Saladino delved into his unique training strategies for Hollywood’s elite. Plus, he tackled the sensitive topic of steroid use in an industry obsessed with flawless bodies and chiseled abs.
Celebrity Trainer Shares Insider Secrets on Steroid Use in Tinseltown
From A-listers to aspiring actors, coach Saladino leaves no stone unturned in his quest to optimize fitness. Collaborating closely with his team, he crafts personalized programs encompassing everything from medical consultations to tailored nutrition plans, exercise routines, and even physical therapy.
“Maybe for some lower-tier celebrity coming on a major role. So, like if you have a new actor or a newish actor that’s going into the Deadpool movies, okay, maybe you’ll get like I have gotten calls from Marvel in the past but no offense to Marvel you’re not speaking to an upper-end executive, you’re speaking to someone lower tier, they say this is our budget x, y, and z,” says the celebrity trainer.
“Depending on who I am working with, I have anyone from your functional medicine doctor which might be Dr. Gabrielle or Dr. Dwayne Jackson, the prescripts guy, they are fantastic. I have everything down to your meal delivery service, your chefs, your physical therapists.”
“That means I have to facilitate it if they need it,” adds Don Saladino.
When it comes to the contentious topic of steroid use, Saladino emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from qualified professionals. He adamantly advises against self-prescription, urging everyone to steer clear of playing the role of an amateur doctor.
“I’m not a doctor. I don’t care how smart you are, don’t play fake doctor. If it’s something that someone needs a performance-enhancing substance or you’re an expert in that area, someone who has a right to talk about this, then yeah, 100 percent [we’ll listen]. Do certain people need it?
When I’m 80 years old do I think I’m going to need it? Do I decide to jump off that natty train? Do I think I’m any better than the next person because I have been natural? No.”
Saladino suggests that Alan Ritchson, openly discussing his use of testosterone replacement therapy, might have explored alternative avenues before resorting to that choice. He firmly advocates for actors to take responsibility for their decisions regarding steroids, urging them to confidently embrace their choices.
“He’s commenting about why he’s taking something. I got friends of mine that will turn around and they are massive and twice as strong as I am.”
“Fucking own it. He jumped on an interview and he’s like you know I just trained so hard for the last nine months that I just literally drained myself of all my testosterone. I literally beat it out of me and he’s sitting there and I’m like that’s what frustrates me.”
“First off, have you done everything in your power to do it naturally? The answer is no.”
Occasionally, Saladino finds himself with a mere two weeks to assist an actor in preparing their physique for a potential film role.
“I don’t work with Thor by the way,” said Saladino. “I can’t mention this actor. He’s very well known as an A-lister in Hollywood, very good physique too. I asked how much time he had, and he said this movie he was getting ready for he had tattoos on his body, he said two weeks.”
“I said listen, I don’t know let me take a look at him. I already knew he had a good physique and he came into my office. No [he wasn’t out of shape] not at all. A couple of things, how are you with the booze, he says a couple of drinks a week. I told him that’s gone.”
Although he hasn't collaborated directly with Chris Hemsworth, Saladino has encountered actors who have admired Hemsworth's impeccably toned physique.
“He came to me [another actor] he was a little down one day. I said what’s up, he said I saw a picture of Hemsworth. I was like okay. I’m like alright, what’s up, he’s like, ‘I feel like my progress is not there.’ Let me ask you a question, how long have you been training, and he goes, a year. I go, so one year, how long do you think Chris has been training?
He’s probably close to my age so he’s probably a few years less than me. This guy has really dedicated his life to fitness whether you think his training is good or not good, there are things in there that are decent and things in there that aren’t.”
While acknowledging that no fitness regimen is flawless, Saladino highlighted the remarkable success of Ronnie Coleman's training approach, evident in his record-tying eight Mr. Olympia titles.
“Ronnie Coleman, the greatest bodybuilder we have ever seen,” said Saladino. “When you look at Ronnie’s training it’s like the guy did a lot that was right and he did a lot maybe things that you’ll say are wrong. I think that’s a really fair thing to say. Arguably one of the most jacked ripped physiques ever in the Open class,” said celebrity trainer Dan Saladino.
Despite Don Saladino's role in training Hugh Jackman, Dr. Mike Israetel didn't hesitate to offer feedback on the workout regimen utilized for Jackman's transformation in Deadpool 3. While Israetel commended many of Jackman's methods, he expressed reservations about the inclusion of stability training, considering it less effective for achieving a movie-ready physique.
It's endlessly fascinating to listen to insights from Hollywood trainers such as Don Saladino, who consistently empower actors to achieve their ultimate physical potential. His stance is clear: celebrities who opt for performance-enhancing drugs should embrace their choices openly rather than shying away from them or trying to divert attention elsewhere.
To catch the complete video, check out the Renaissance Periodization YouTube channel below:
No comments: