Dating reality show Love Island winner, Davide Sanclimenti, the name synonymous with sculpted abs and reality TV fame, might seem to have it all. But his journey to becoming a fitness influencer and champion of body positivity began not in the spotlight, but in the shadow of childhood insecurities.
Overcoming Body Shaming Through Obsession
Fast forward to 2023, and Sanclimenti, fresh off his Love Island win and boasting a loyal 1.6 million strong following on Instagram, could be forgiven for taking a break. However, fitness has always been his passion, even pre-dating his reality TV stardom. A qualified personal trainer and entrepreneur with degrees in economics and finance, Sanclimenti’s path to becoming a fitness icon wasn’t paved with protein shakes.
In a candid Instagram post at the end of 2023, he revealed a struggle with body image stemming from childhood experiences in Italy. “I was classed as overweight as a teenager, so I started training,” he wrote, describing a period of intense exercise bordering on obsession. “Running like I was in a marathon and swimming like an Olympian,” he continued, “I was eating almost nothing, until I lost an unhealthy amount of weight.”
“Teenagers can be cruel,” Sanclimenti admits in a recent Zoom interview. “Guys don’t hold back on making jokes about your body. I remember a friend who said, ‘You will never have abs because you’ve got a belly.'”
This relentless negativity took a toll, but thankfully, it was his mother’s intervention that steered him towards a healthier approach.
Finding Balance: From Obsession to Sustainable Fitness
With his mother’s support, Sanclimenti began to prioritize balance. At 17, he became a regular gym-goer, initially focusing on the typical “chest and biceps” routine many beginners fall into. However, his inquisitive nature soon led him to delve deeper.
“I started researching how fitness influencers in the USA trained and what diet they followed,” he explains. This newfound passion for learning fueled his dedication. “Every day I was reading and learning about the gym, fitness, or health in general.”
This dedication manifested in a well-structured routine. He adopted a multi-frequency approach, working multiple muscle groups per workout instead of isolating them on separate days. This allows him to train each muscle twice a week, with one intense session and one lighter session, followed by a crucial 48-hour recovery period. He incorporates leg training into his routine through dedicated leg days, running, and tennis.
But rest is just as important as exertion. Sanclimenti emphasizes the importance of taking two rest days a week. “You’ll see the difference in the gym the day after,” he says. “You’ll feel even stronger and more motivated.”
The Importance of Consistency and a Balanced Diet
Sanclimenti’s message is clear: consistency is key. It’s about showing up regularly, having a plan, and avoiding self-criticism. But achieving your fitness goals requires a balanced diet to complement your workout routine.
For Sanclimenti, this meant a shift away from his Italian heritage of pasta-centric meals. “She [his mother] wanted me to eat pasta every day!” he laughs. Leaving home at 18 made this transition easier. “At the beginning it was hard,” he admits, “but I had to explain, ‘Mama, I don’t want lasagna today; I’m going to eat my rice and chicken.'”
Protein is king in Sanclimenti’s diet, with an intake ranging from 2.5g to 3.3g per kilogram of bodyweight. His day starts with a protein-rich breakfast of five egg whites (sometimes with one or two yolks) paired with a banana and other available fruits. This is followed by a mid-morning sandwich on granary bread.
Lunch and dinner follow a similar pattern: a protein source, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables. Basmati rice, wholegrain pasta, sweet potatoes, and quinoa are his go-to carbs, while olive oil provides healthy fats. Pre-workout fuel comes from high-protein Greek yogurt with fruit and rice cakes, and post-workout recovery is aided by a protein shake.
Supplements: Quality Over Quantity
Davide Sanclimenti recently partnered with SCI-MX, a nutrition brand that emphasizes the importance of well-balanced supplements with high-quality ingredients. He’s a vocal critic of supplement companies that rely on hundreds of poorly researched ingredients with minimal impact.
“SCI-MX focuses on quality,” he emphasizes. Their core principles – developing sports performance, enhancing physical appearance, and promoting overall health and wellbeing – resonate with Sanclimenti’s philosophy.
