As the most commercially successful film projects in recent years fall in the superhero category, superheroes might not only be saving the world, but also conquering it. What would at first be a small yet passionate fandom, comfortable in the numerous hours they spend with their nose in comics, has now evolved into a global fanbase. Apart from the saving the world aspect, another thing about superhero movies that lures fans into the theatres is watching their favorite superstars flex their toned bodies on the big screens.

The sheer euphoria that passes through the viewers as the protagonist uses not only his strength but also the glow of his six-pack abs to fight off his enemies is a recurrent phenomenon in superhero movies. One of the most iconic examples built on the magnificence of the superhero’s toned body is Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool. Due to his skin being burnt, Reynolds had to count on his body to make him appealing. However, he could not have done it without the help of one of Hollywood’s greatest trainers, Don Saladino.

Don Saladino: The man who makes superheroes

Given how well-executed Marvel and DC movies are, it is often easy to forget that a lot of heavy lifting is done by those behind the cameras. This includes the professionals working to make sure that the right effects are added to the actor’s performance and the workout professionals making sure that the actor’s body has just the right effect on people. A tried and tested trainer of Hollywood celebrities is Don Saladino. In 2021, the workout guru shared with Men’s Health magazine his chest workout routine. From five rounds of Dumbbell Bench Presses to Earthquake pushups, it includes everything that will get your heart pumping.

The trainer who, according to Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan, “changed his life” leads by example. In his chest-building workout, Saladino emphasized throughout the importance of a better lifestyle.

He started with a mobility circuit before entering into a roughly hour-long workout that consisted of chest targeting exercises.

The recipe for a toned chest

Looking at superheroes on the screen, one looks upon them with adoration. However, with Don Saladino’s chest-building workout, you can now mirror them. The workout needs a good warmup and then heads right into an Incline Barbell Press. Followed by five rounds of five reps of the dumbbell bench press.

And just to make sure that your chest resembles that of Hercules, Saladino adds 3 to 4 sets of 10 reps of Bench Dumbbell Fly. Finally, 3 to 4 sets of 10 reps of Alternating Band Presses and Flys and 3 sets of 10 reps per arm of earthquake pushups. Don Saladino is definitely what people call a ‘hero without a cape’. It has also got us questioning if Hugh Jackman is really the reason why Ryan Reynolds has been training so hard for Deadpool 3.

What do you think of Saladino’s workout? Let us know in the comments below.