Ged Musto, originally from the South Wales Valleys and now based in Brynithel, Blaenau Gwent, first entered the profession in 1985 while serving in HM Forces.
Now approaching his 62nd birthday, Mr Musto has spent four decades working as a personal trainer, coach and fitness educator, gaining national and international recognition along the way.
UK fitness trainer of the year award 2024 (Image: Ged Musto)
Speaking about his career, he said:
“I never envisaged in a million years that when I started out on my fitness journey that I would be in this position.”
After qualifying through London Central YMCA in 1986, Mr Musto went on to excel in physical education and competitive sport, representing the Army and Corps in disciplines including athletics, cross country, boxing, rugby and cricket.
He later established his own personal training business in Berkshire, where he said early success came through word of mouth.
“The hardest part for me was gaining my very first client,” he said. “Once I did and helped that client achieve their goals, things really took off.”
In 1995, he was named Berkshire Personal Trainer of the Year and later recognised as one of the UK’s Top 10 Personal Trainers. He has since been selected among the Top 10 on three occasions across two decades.
In 2023/24, Mr Musto became the first Welshman to be named UK Fitness Trainer of the Year, beating more than 1,200 other trainers.
“That gave me the impetus to carry on,” he said. “It opened new doors and reminded me that I still have a lot to offer.”
Alongside personal training, Mr Musto has represented Great Britain in weightlifting, powerlifting and arm wrestling, setting four world bests and seven British records for stamina and endurance. His achievements include being named World Fitness Man in 1999.
He said:
“To be recognised in that way is something I’m incredibly proud of, especially coming from a small South Wales community.”
Mr Musto has also worked with elite sports organisations and teams, including rugby clubs and athletics squads, and ran for Thames Valley Harriers during the early 1990s under the captaincy of Olympic champion Linford Christie.
More recently, he has been appointed as a tutor for British Weightlifting, delivering coaching and education sessions across Wales and the West of England.
“That’s something I see as a possible route towards retirement,” he said. “Using my decades of experience to train and inspire the young champions of the future is what’s driving me forward.”
Despite entering his fifth decade in the profession, Mr Musto says his motivation remains strong.
“I still have that hunger inside me,” he said. “I’m optimistic about the future and ready for whatever projects come next.”
Councillor Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, praised his career and contribution to the community, describing him as “a great ambassador for our area and for health and fitness”.