How Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s Personal Trainer, Don Saladino, Stays Fitter Than Ever at 47!
At 47 years old, Don Saladino, the personal trainer behind the physiques of celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Sebastian Stan, and Anne Hathaway, says he’s in the best shape of his life. In fact, he claims his body composition is better now than it was when he was in his 20s, and his strength and endurance are on par with his younger self. For Saladino, who has been in the fitness industry for over two decades, staying fit isn’t just about hitting the gym hard – it’s a full-spectrum approach that blends weightlifting, cardio, recovery, and nutrition.
"I feel like my physique just gets better and better," Saladino told Business Insider. "Is my body composition better now than it was when I was in my 20s? Yes. Am I as strong now as I was in my 20s? Yes. I can do all the things now that I did when I was in my 20s. One-hundred percent. No doubt."
Saladino's approach to fitness is a blend of challenging training, strategic recovery, and nutrition. His goal is to constantly evolve and refine his physique while minimizing fat gain, which is why his methods are calculated, focused, and intentional. Despite his hectic schedule managing top clients and his own fitness app, Saladino prioritizes his own fitness, and it’s clearly paying off. Here’s a closer look at how the trainer stays fit, strong, and healthy at 47.
Lifting 4 Times a Week: Building Strength and Muscle
Saladino’s dedication to weight training is central to his fitness routine. He lifts weights four times a week, focusing on both upper- and lower-body movements. This consistent routine has been key in maintaining his strength and muscle mass, even as he ages.
For three of those days, Saladino’s focus is on powerlifting — the cornerstone of his strength training. His main lifts include bench presses, low bar back squats, and snatch-grip deadlifts. These compound movements target multiple muscle groups at once, making them highly effective for building strength and muscle mass.
On his fourth day of lifting, Saladino shifts to pushing and pulling movements, such as overhead presses and pull-ups. These movements help balance out his training regimen by hitting other important muscle groups that might not be targeted as much with his primary lifts.
“Strength training is hands down the best way to build muscle, improve bone density, and burn fat,” says Saladino. “Lifting weights isn’t just about looking good — it’s about building a foundation for overall health, longevity, and performance.”
Saladino also incorporates accessory movements on a fifth day if his schedule permits. These typically include arm exercises, ab work, and other movements that help define and strengthen smaller muscle groups. This varied approach ensures his body remains challenged, which is key to continuous improvement.
Cardio: A Mix of Interval Training and Steady-State Workouts
While strength training is a priority, Saladino doesn’t neglect his cardiovascular health. In fact, his combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio is crucial in maintaining both his endurance and his lean physique.
Twice a week, Saladino tackles short but intense interval workouts. These typically last around four minutes, but they’re incredibly intense. His favorite methods of HIIT involve sprinting on a curved treadmill, using an air bike, Versaclimber, or ski erg. These types of cardio are designed to push his cardiovascular system to the limit, boosting metabolism and aiding in fat loss.
“Interval workouts are tough, but the payoff is huge,” Saladino explains. “These short, intense bursts of exercise are great for improving endurance, cardiovascular health, and fat burning without sacrificing muscle mass.”
In addition to his interval training, Saladino makes sure to fit in at least one steady-state cardio session each week. This could include jogging or using a stair mill for a more sustained, moderate-level workout. Research suggests that combining both HIIT and steady-state cardio is an effective strategy for increasing longevity while helping to maintain a lean body composition.
Saladino also enjoys staying active outside the gym and is passionate about hockey. He plays twice a week, often at 6:30 a.m. It’s an enjoyable group activity, but Saladino notes that the intensity of his interval workouts far exceeds what he does on the ice. “Hockey is great for fitness, but when it comes to training specific energy systems, nothing beats a structured interval workout.”
Recovery: Cold Plunges, Saunas, and New Techniques
Recovery is just as important as training, and Saladino takes a multifaceted approach to ensure his body recovers well and stays injury-free. One of his favorite recovery practices is cold plunges. After intense hockey sessions, Saladino often submerges himself in ice-cold water to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.
“I really like how the cold plunge helps my body calm down,” he explains. “After a game, my body can feel a bit out of balance, especially in the hips from skating, and the cold plunge helps reset that.”
Saladino pairs his cold plunges with sauna sessions for contrast therapy — alternating between hot and cold environments for improved circulation and muscle relaxation. Studies suggest that these types of contrast therapies may help reduce soreness and aid in faster recovery, although the evidence on their long-term effectiveness is still inconclusive.
“I enjoy using the sauna to help my muscles relax, then I’ll go straight into a cold plunge for a few minutes,” he says. “I’ve found that it works wonders for reducing muscle tightness and feeling rejuvenated.”
In addition to these more traditional recovery methods, Saladino has recently added Normatec massage boots and red-light therapy into his recovery regimen. Normatec boots use dynamic air compression to help improve circulation, while red-light therapy is believed to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing. While the science behind red-light therapy is still in its infancy, Saladino is a firm believer in experimenting with different modalities to see what works best for him.
“For someone like me, still training hard in my late 40s, recovery is just as important as the work I put in,” Saladino says. “I believe that trial and error with recovery methods is part of the journey. Whatever helps me stay in the game longer is worth exploring.”
Related: Peloton's New Era Begins: Peter Stern Appointed CEO as Fitness Giant Eyes Recovery
Nutrition: The Foundation of Staying Lean and Strong
No workout routine is complete without proper nutrition, and Saladino’s approach to fueling his body is as strategic as his training. While he hasn’t shared his exact diet plan, he emphasizes the importance of eating to support muscle growth and recovery while keeping body fat in check.
“I focus on high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates,” he says. “I also pay attention to how my body responds to different foods and adjust accordingly. It’s all about fueling my body for performance while staying lean.”
Saladino is an advocate of eating clean, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods that support overall health and energy levels. He also recommends keeping track of calorie intake and macronutrient breakdown to ensure you’re staying on track with your fitness goals, whether that’s gaining muscle or staying lean.
“A lot of people think getting older means slowing down, but I think it’s the opposite,” Saladino says. “The more you put into your body and your fitness, the more you get out of it. Age is just a number if you’re consistent with your training, nutrition, and recovery.”
Staying Strong and Fit at 47
Don Saladino’s approach to fitness proves that age is no barrier to achieving your best physique. By combining strength training, interval cardio, recovery methods, and a well-balanced diet, Saladino continues to improve his strength, muscle mass, and overall health at 47 — something that seemed impossible for many people just a few decades ago.
His message is simple: Consistency, variety, and strategic recovery are the keys to staying strong, fit, and healthy at any age. If you're looking to achieve similar results, Saladino's routine offers a blueprint for success, regardless of where you are in your fitness journey.
For anyone inspired by Saladino's journey, the key takeaway is clear: It’s never too late to commit to your health. With dedication and the right mindset, you can continue to improve your physique, boost your energy levels, and feel better with every passing year.
