Fitness trainer Don Saladino counters Alan Ritchson’s claims about his transformation.

SUMMARY

Alan Ritchson’s transformation for the Amazon Prime series caught many by surprise as the actor bulked up to embody the character of Jack Reacher.
He also asserted that he attained the bulky build without any steroids and it was solely the result of his hard work.

Following his acting stints in shows like Smallville and Titans, Alan Ritchson gained wider recognition portraying the titular character in Amazon Prime’s action thriller series, Reacher. The series features him as the former U.S. Army military policeman and the actor embodied his character’s formidable strength and towering stature as depicted in Lee Child’s book series.

Alan Ritchson | Credit: Amazon Prime Video
However, his sudden transformation to embody the character on-screen raised many questions, with many even speculating steroid use. While Ritchson has constantly denied such assertions, a celebrity trainer has argued against his claims, as he disclosed the truth behind the steroid use in the film industry.

Alan Ritchson Denied Using Steroids to Bulk Up

Alan Ritchson’s transformation for the Amazon Prime series caught many by surprise as he bulked up to embody the character of Jack Reacher. And the actor did not hesitate to share his fitness regimen.

In an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the Reacher star shared that he had eight months to gain an extra 30 pounds for the role. And he put in every ounce of himself to attain the set mark. Ritchson shared that he built a gym in his house and worked out for hours on a routine basis.

A still from Reacher | Credit: Prime Video

“I built a gym in my house… and I worked my a** off you cannot believe how hard I worked. Every day, it was like my life depended on it. Hour, two hours a day. So in that amount of time, I could like put the muscle on.”

He also asserted that he attained the bulky build without any steroids or testosterone and it was solely the result of his hard work, which even caused a shoulder injury. The actor has also opened up about how pressuring himself with the hectic workout impacted his body.

Alan Ritchson in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare | Credit: Lionsgate
In an interview with Men’s Health, he revealed that his doctor suggested he undergo testosterone replacement therapy. Ritchson shared that the therapy facilitated muscle gain but denied knowing that it could also be considered an “anabolic steroid” arguing that he merely addressed a hormonal deficiency.

Celebrity Trainer Calls Out Alan Ritchson For Denying Steroid Use

Fitness trainer Don Saladino has criticized the 41-year-old actor for denying steroid use and setting unrealistic body transformations. In a conversation with Renaissance Periodization, the fitness trainer questioned Ritchson’s claims about opting for natural methods and holistic approaches to fitness.

Don Saladino | Credit: YouTube/Renaissance Periodization

I was listening to an interview by him… He’s commenting about why he’s taking something — He’s like, you know… ‘I just trained so hard for the last nine months, that I just literally like drained myself of all my testosterone. I literally beat it out of me.’” 

Arguing that the actor might not have given his best with natural methods, Saladino expressed his frustration with the Hollywood celebrities looking for scapegoats for such transformations, instead of being transparent about the method they implied to attain the required build.

Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher | Credit: Prime Video
Talking about steroid use and hormonal treatments, he emphasized that celebrities, who opt for these measures, need to take ownership of their choices, especially while promoting such unrealistic body standards. “That to me, I don’t respect,” he said, emphasizing how these claims can significantly impact impressionable young individuals.

Fitness trainer Don Saladino is known for extensive experience in the industry and has worked with numerous athletes, musicians, and actors, including the Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman along with Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt among many others.

Reacher is available to stream on Prime Video.