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11 / The Trainer to the Superheroes w/ Don Saladino

Training smarter is certainly not the same thing as training harder. If you are a trainer, finding the right balance between the two so you can meet the needs of your clients and get them to their peak is not always an intuitive process. Performance expert and self-described gym-dork, Don Saladino and I discuss what it means to train intelligently to meet clients where they need you the most.

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Stitcher | TuneIn | Google Play | Android

Don is a trainer of some big-name athletes and celebrities who you might have seen in big screen action hero movies. He is a pro at training his clients to excel in their areas of need instead of pushing them to fit some unadjustable plan. For Don, getting healthy is an internal transformation as much, if not more, than an external and ascetic one.

In this episode, we talk about how we define success as a trainer. We get into why it takes a supportive family and a great business team to excel in this field and why it’s important to level-up smartly and build a brand focused on creativity. With this in mind, Don shares some great tips on how to succeed as a trainer.

If you are a trainer or even if you just use one, this is an episode not to be missed!

How do you train your clients in a healthy and supportive way while also growing a sustainable business? Let us know in the comments below!

In This Episode

The mental transformations necessary to getting fit and healthy
Why it’s important to take a break from your training from time to time
How to train smart by doing “the minimal effective dose”
Why the focus on variability in a training program is overblown

Quotes

“Be the smartest coach but make things relatable to people. Allow them to have fun with their training.” [9:18]

“I do believe even if your body is feeling good you should scale back. You need to give your mind a little bit of a break. You need to go out, eat some burgers and drink a couple of beers and just detach yourself from it. Give your joints a little bit of a break.” [18:48]

“I do believe now that if you want to get better at something you have to do it more frequently. But to do it more frequently you also have to cut back on the intensity a little bit.” [38:37]

Links

Don Saladino

Follow Don on Instagram | Facebook

Follow Emily & Urban Wellness on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Get Treated Today And Feel Great.

Google Rating

5.0

Urban Wellness Clinic

5.0

Paul O'Shea

19:23 12 Jun 20

Emily, Brittany, Matt and the rest of the UWC team are the REAL DEAL. I have had treatments all over the world for various sport related rehab/injuries but when I injured my back about 3 year ago - no one could get me close to 100%. This group managed to get me mentally feeling strong about my body, helped me reprogram the circuits that enables pain free movement and given me a new lease on life. Everyone's situation is different, but the wellness philosphy at UWC is rock solid which is why I would highly recommend you try for yourself and I wish you the same positive outcome that I had in your treatment. Kudos UWC for walking the talk on delivering real results for your clients.

Antonio Jimenez

21:15 08 Jun 20

Dr. Mallik is one of the best chiropractors I know, bar none. She is knowledgeable and personable. Very thoughtful in her approach and excellent in her execution. Highly recommend.

Tara Chambers

23:05 20 May 20

Really knowledgeable and recovery focused environment. They have helped me to think differently about the body and breathing and how to correct issues through simple recovery exercises and breathing techniques. I’m very happy with Urban Wellness Clinic.Update 5/20/20 - I recently started doing virtual sessions with Dr. Mallik and they have been so helpful particularly since NYC is enforcing social distancing. Dr. Mallik walked me through various stretches to help alleviate the shoulder pain I was experiencing and using Zoom was a great tool as she was able to make corrections on my form. I felt like the virtual sessions were very effective and I appreciate them offering virtual services.

Hussain Ismail

17:42 05 May 20

Dr. Kiberd and her team literally changed my life - I'd seen a dozen doctors for back pain over many years, getting various types of pain management, injections, recommendations for surgery, etc. Within 6 months of working with Dr. Kiberd's team my back pain was significantly reduced without any medication or surgeries, and within a year I was about 90% better. Matt Semrick is a literal genius who reprogrammed how my brain connects to my body. I moved away from NYC but still follow UWC on social to keep up with best practices (and to remind me to keep at it!). The team there is truly top notch and understands modern techniques while being incredibly approachable and friendly. Going to the doctor in your early 30s with backpain is a humbling experience, Dr. Kiberd's team leads with empathy and patience and got me well again

Alyxie Harrick

18:20 27 Mar 20

Urban Wellness Clinic is the best physical therapy clinic I have ever discovered (and I've been to over 15!). I have had knee issues for 12 years that reconstructive surgery in my youth didn't resolve; I was told I'd need to live with the pain and was thus unable to lift weights or participate in many fitness classes. Then I started going to UWC. The doctors here are like magicians!! Through a variety of techniques (such as active release, chiropractic, graston, you name it), they have healed not only my knee pain but other pains I've had over the years. Their alignment techniques coupled with full body strength advising (I can now squat 40 pounds) has left me feeling stronger and more in control -- I better understand why I may feel pain and what alignment exercises I can do to resolve it. Look no further - these are the best doctors and physicians in town!

Emily Price

01:14 24 Mar 20

This place has completely changed my life. I've had chronic pain issues for almost 30 years and I have tried every treatment out there. I randomly came across Urban Wellness after googling new treatment options and I can't tell you the difference it has made. From day one their approach was different from anything I'd tried before and I plan to use their techniques indefinitely. I feel so much better every day. I tell anyone and everyone about my experience at Urban Wellness because it's been literally life-changing.

Neri Amaducci

15:13 06 Feb 20

Everyone at Urban Wellness was fantastic. They were thorough with all my aches and pains, and were great at explaining how they could help. The exercises were great and most importantly I felt better. They gave me exercises to do at home that helped a lot. I would go back in a minute.

Dawn Marinaccio

23:55 22 Nov 19

I have referred several people. I am very impressed with their approach to treating the root cause of pain and injuries. The approach is consistent no matter which doctor you see and they are always well aware of your individual situation. If you are an active person I highly recommend urban Wellness Clinic to keep all the body parts working.

Faith Adam

22:06 26 Sep 19

I'm doing deadlifts, squats, lunges, and walking up and down stairs without knee pain for the first time in YEARS- all through muscle work and very specific exercises. (No medication!) UWC's staff is composed of incredible people with a ton of knowledge, and I feel they are genuinely invested in helping me live my best, healthy life. They work together as a cohesive team to address issues from several angles. I feel so much hope for the future of my health after years of setbacks and injuries. I'm so grateful to be working with them.

Stewart Robinson

16:48 25 Sep 19

I’m not a fan of surgery so I wanted a conservative and alternative approach to fix my sciatica/piriformis syndrome. I am making tremendous progress while also fixing other posture and gate issues I didn’t even know I had. It’s been just about two weeks and rapidly recovering.

Stewart Robinson

16:48 25 Sep 19

Casey

18:27 12 Sep 19

I've had neck and shoulder problems for years, and haven't felt more relief than I have thanks to this team. Dr. Lazare is so knowledgeable, and Bethany provides incredible relief to angry muscles. They take a true full body approach, and are incredibly talented. Highly, highly recommend!

Sharon McGavin

21:50 26 Jun 19

Dr. Kiberd and her team are amazing professionals. They are intelligent, incisive and caring. Their state-of-the-art studio is spotless and comfortable. But most important -- they get results!

tatiana bravo

15:00 20 Jun 19

I love coming here, everyone is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They have changed my quality of life drastically. :)

Kate Johnson

18:54 13 Jun 19

They are a bunch of wizards at Urban Wellness Clinic. Fixed me right up and now they are teaching me to fix myself. Amazing.

Miriam Schwartz

16:28 13 Jun 19

I love UWC! They take such good care of me, and it’s amazing to feel like you have a “team” of professionals helping you focus on recovering from injuries, self care, and growing personally and physically. UWC is the perfect companion to an active New York life. I love Matt, Bethany, Dr. Kiberd, and Dr. Mallik—thank you all for helping me recover and grow.

Sharon McGavin

18:52 04 Jun 19

Dr. Kiberd and her team are amazing professionals. They are intelligent, incisive and caring. Their state-of-the-art studio is spotless and comfortable. But most important -- they get results!

Kate Johnson

20:05 11 Apr 19

They are a bunch of wizards at Urban Wellness Clinic. Fixed me right up and now they are teaching me to fix myself. Amazing.

Joseph Curcio

20:31 01 Apr 19

This place should be renamed to "Urban Allstar Clinic" because the team here is incredible. Each one of them go above and beyond in helping to address issues, correct them, and then to strengthen the body. I highly recommend anyone looking to get into shape, or evaluate their physical situation to give them a visit.

Joseph Curcio

20:31 01 Apr 19

Anna Carlson

16:04 01 Apr 19

I went to Urban Wellness after I injured my shoulder rock climbing. My sister had been going for a few years and had seen so much improvement with her hip problems that I knew they would be able to do something for me. They were able to quickly diagnose the issue and help get my shoulder stable enough to begin doing PT. I was unable to lift my arm more than 90 degrees last summer when I injured it and now I have full mobility and am climbing harder than ever. They don't just look at the body part that is injured but do a full body assessment because they understand how one body part can contribute to issues in another body part. Expect to learn a thing or two about your body that you didn't know. Highly recommend!

Caitlin Fitzmaurice

00:05 15 Mar 19

I came to Urban Wellness for adjustments during my half marathon training and was thrilled with the results - one day I walked in with a headache and another day with knee pain and would leave the office with immediate relief. They also helped me address underlying imbalances, as well as scar tissue from previous injuries.I noticed I was able to breathe more deeply and fully and felt energized on my runs in the days after the adjustments. They truly practice holistic care - and my time with Matt helped me maximize my time between appointments with specific exercises to strengthen areas of weakness/imbalance. I love their team approach and can't recommend them highly enough!When I sustained a foot injury, they were most helpful in arranging x-rays and follow up care with a podiatrist covered in-network with my insurance. I'm confident I will be back for tune ups in the future and highly recommend you make an appointment if you have any sort of physical ailment. They helped me above and beyond my expectations!

clare semes

23:01 11 Mar 19

Very clean! Friendly staff. Have loved coming for Megan Richardson acupuncture for years now.

Josh Vergote

13:06 25 Jan 19

For a place that most people go to when they’re trying to overcome pain/injury, the Urban Wellness Clinic’s atmosphere is fantastic.My first visit, I saw Dr. Kiberd and Beth. I was having severe back pain (sciatic nerve pain, etc) and they basically helped me shift the tide to recovery from day one. Tips on my diet, stretching, exercises, etc.I was visiting the office a few times a week and was feeling better after each visit. When Dr. Kiberd wasn’t in the office, I saw Dr. Clarke. She was amazing as well.Last but certainly not least was the strength training. I was actively training before my injury so my main goal was to get back to that level. Once I was able to move and shake a bit, I started finishing my sessions with Matt. In a nutshell, the guy is nice, knowledgeable and a wonderful trainer.Urban Wellness Clinic is a NYC treasure. All positives!

Valentina T Henriquez

20:07 18 Jan 19

Amazon! Dr. Clarke listened to all of my concerns and is helping find a plan that works for me ! Other Doctors would brush me off, or give me prescriptions. I see Dr.Clarke for both nutrition and chiropractic services. Sasha is amazing at the front desk and knows her stuff. Highly recommend Dr. Clarke and Urban Wellness Clinic.

E. Martinez

15:38 11 Jan 19

Where do I begin?! I have been a patient of Urban Wellness for about 4 months & absolutely love it. I’ve been worked on by Dr. Kiberd, Dr. Clarke, Beth & Matt — they are all equally amazing. The ladies at the front desk, Sasha & Mel, are so compassionate & friendly. This office truly feels like home. I always enjoy being in their presence. Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed visiting this practice.

hyperactivenyc

21:12 15 Oct 18

I'll make this really simple. Go! Dr. Clarke, Bethany and Matt (actually everyone at Urban) make a great team! For me, life got in the way of my personal well being. Being an ex-college athlete I always just expected to get back in shape easily, but a few injuries derailed my effort. It wasn't until injured my lower back that I realized I needed an experienced team to guide me through the process. They understood my situation, ask what (if any) are new developments and treat me accordingly. They also listen and expect me to do the work (homework) as well. It's not a pampering session; its treatment and teaching! Very glad I found them! 5 Stars!

Pasha Royzman

00:49 16 Aug 18

I couldn't walk straight after a sudden lock of my neck muscles. Within a day i was able to move my neck and was back to normal after a week. The entire team is very professional and showed me plenty of exercises to prevent future incidents. thank you guys!

Mary Moore

20:55 09 Aug 18

I am at the beginning of my process toward a pain-free life and am very impressed with Dr. Clarke and with Matt. The work is tough but they exude kindness and good humor along with their professionalism.

Yoo-Sun Park

20:27 24 Jul 18

For the last ten years, I've been addressing chronic issues stemming from decades of playing violin and teaching fitness. I've worked with more than a handful of therapists and clinics in the New York City area with underwhelming passable results. My sessions with Dr. Emily Kiberd and her Urban Wellness Clinic team are by far the most thorough, thoughtful, holistic, and have been the most effective in my daily movement practice (teaching fitness, triathlon training, playing violin). They truly work as a team to help find the root of the issues and make sure to communicate to both me and each other how I'm progressing so we're all on the same page.

Hana AlHashimi

13:17 19 Jun 18

Beautiful space, Dr Kiberd is highly skilled and knowledgeable; I came in limping and walked out with a smile :) definitely recommend!

Annelise Bremme

18:50 05 Jun 18

My experience at the Urban Wellness Clinic has been an absolute success! I sincerely recommend it.I came in at 4 months pregnant with debilitating migraines and in few sessions, Dr. Kiberd and physical therapist Bethany helped my headaches go away as well as my back pain.I also had the chance to take personal training lessons at the Clinic with Matt who designed with me a pregnancy-safe work-out routine.The Clinic is extremely clean and pleasant, their material is adapted for pregnancy. The reception staff is very helpful, especially to navigate insurance claims.

Jordan Warren

01:30 25 May 18

After having varied success with a few other PT practices in NYC, I sought out NKT practitioners and found Urban Wellness Clinic. Thank goodness I did. In only two weeks, my back pain had diminished by roughly 75%. Today, I’m pain-free in the gym and out. Urban Wellness Clinic helped me get healthy and tap into a level of strength I never even knew I had.

Larry Robbins

00:24 27 Apr 18

Truly remarkable. Dr. Clarke has a supernatural understanding of human physiology and puts that knowledge to use by nearly working miracles. Several finishes of the NYC Marathon were more her doing than mine. She and the entire crew exude an intelligent, caring, compassionate and effective program of treatments that has no equal! Highly recommended.

A. Hoffius

21:28 16 Apr 18

I have gone to Urban Wellness Clinic for many years and they have helped me immensely. The services are very high quality, and I feel like I'm in really good hands. They have helped me with certain health problems that my primary care doctor has not been able to (a severe sinus headache, for instance) and painful muscle aches and spasms. I often get instant relief when I go there. Dr. Clarke is very gifted, and I see her most often. With Dr. Clarke, Bethany (the massage therapist), and Matt, I have found a lot of relief for my hip bursitis. They are very knowledgeable and explain things well. Also, UWC takes my health insurance, so I'm very lucky! Everyone there is friendly and helpful. I trust them and I recommend them to all my friends and acquaintances.

Tom Critelli

19:42 16 Apr 18

I started going to Urban Wellness Clinic on a recommendation from a co-worker for back and neck stiffness related to working at a desk all day. I have been to chiropractors before, and expected the typical quick adjustment and then I would be sent on my way. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised with my experience. Dr. Kiberd, Dr Clarke, Bethany (massage therapy) and Matt (personal training) utilize a full body approach to back and neck paim, and overall general health. Each visit is attentive to all areas of my spine, including stretching, strength training, massage therapy, adjustments, even posture is addressed. I can honestly say Dr Kiberd has assembled the best team possible for a better back and overall better health. The office is spotless, the rooms bright, airy and new, and Melissa the receptionist is fantastic. My overall health has improved greatly over the last three years thanks entirely to them. I cannot recommend Urban Wellness Clinic enough!

michael miller

02:35 06 Mar 18

Each and every individual here is truly excellent. No other medical/health practice has had a more positive impact on my physical health. They really understand how to read your complex body and pinpoint what's amiss. All the while, they're so down to earth that it feels like I'm visiting old friends every time I step into the clinic. GO HERE - YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU (even if they're out of network for you too - it's absolutely worth it).

Amy Dolman

00:44 18 Aug 17

Dr Emily Kiberd was recommended for treatment during pregnancy - she is fantastic and I would highly recommend her Chiropractic services to anyone, pregnant or not. She takes her time to get to know her patients and I never feel like the appointments are rushed.I also saw Matt, their sports trainer, for a range of suitable exercises to do during pregnancy to enable me to remain active. He is very supportive and listens to my feedback ensuring he can adjust the exercises accordingly.

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11 / The Trainer to the Superheroes w/ Don Saladino

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