Actor Berto Colón on How Fitness Fuels His On-Screen Roles
The actor known for his roles in “Power Book II: Ghost” and “Orange Is the New Black” spoke to ATN about his approach to fitness, including his commitment to CrossFit and recent dabbling in Hyrox
Fresh off his role as Solomon Vega in Netflix’s “The Night Agent,” Berto Colón continues to carve out a space in Hollywood defined by physical presence. Known for action-heavy parts in “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Orange Is the New Black,” and “The Penguin,” Colón says his athletic background is what keeps him ready for such roles.
“Physical training is a foundational part of my lifestyle,” Colón told Athletech News. “My current routine primarily revolves around CrossFit. Recently, I’ve integrated elements of Hyrox to further enhance my aerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance. I also surf, swim and bike, which keep me agile and well-rounded.”
For Colón, staying fit is about more than just the physical.
“I strive to stay in peak form, both physically and mentally, so I’m always prepared for the demands of any role,” he explained. “The discipline and mental clarity I gain from training are just as valuable as the physical benefits.”
Colón once trained for football, where he prioritized speed and explosiveness.
“Back then, I trained as if I were invincible,” he said. “Today, I recognize the importance of listening to my body and honoring its limits. I still prioritize performance and intensity, but I’m far more mindful of recovery and longevity.”
That awareness carries over into his acting: “Discipline is at the core of everything I do,” Colón said. “There are days when motivation is lacking, but it’s in those moments that discipline becomes essential. Pushing through builds consistency, and that consistency is the foundation of success in any field, acting included. This industry demands stamina, focus and endurance — not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.”
Colón embraces physically demanding roles, thanks in part to his commitment to fitness.
“Because I maintain a high level of overall fitness year-round, I don’t usually need to make major adjustments for stunts or action scenes,” he said. “But when a scene calls for something specific — sword handling, precision driving, sprinting up stairs — I tailor my training to reflect those demands.”
Beyond acting, Colón serves on the board of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, which raises awareness for DIPG, a rare pediatric brain tumor. His involvement stems from his friendship with the organization’s founder, John Rivera.
“Learning about the tragic loss of his son opened my eyes to the devastating reality of DIPG,” Colón noted. “What inspires me most is how John transformed grief into purpose. That kind of strength is rare, and it’s something I deeply respect. When a friend is doing something meaningful and impactful, you step in and you show up.”
Whether on set, in training, or in his advocacy work, Colón approaches each commitment with the same mindset: stay prepared.
“Most of the acting roles I take on carry significant physical demands,” he concluded. “Staying ready isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity.”