Advertisement
Blake Lively is opening up about the people who’ve stood by her through the highs and lows of her personal and professional journey, especially highlighting her gratitude toward longtime trainer Don Saladino. On June 6, she posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram Stories, thanking Saladino for his unwavering support over the past 15 years. Reflecting on their enduring partnership, Lively credited him with helping her feel strong and confident throughout major life changes, including four pregnancies, postpartum recovery, and the physical demands of action roles. Her words were filled with warmth and appreciation, calling him a steady, kind presence built on “rock solid integrity.”
Blake also added her signature sense of humor, playfully teasing Saladino for failing to identify the scent notes in her new Blake Brown Beauty Hair and Body Mist. She ended the post with a light-hearted jab—“Get you a best buddy who knows your husband’s smell”—a reference to Saladino’s dual role in training both Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
Their bond goes far beyond the gym. Saladino has been instrumental in helping Lively navigate each stage of motherhood with care and realism. Back in 2022, he shared insights into how he adjusted her workout routine during her fourth pregnancy, focusing on safe, functional movements that prioritized health over aesthetics. He emphasized that her goal wasn’t about staying thin but about staying strong, mobile, and mentally grounded. Lively consistently showed up for her sessions with a flexible mindset, allowing herself the grace to do what her body needed each day.
Through her touching message, it’s clear that Lively values not just the physical training but also the emotional and moral support Saladino has provided for well over a decade. Their relationship reflects a deeply rooted mutual respect, showing how true strength often comes from the people who empower us behind the scenes.