60 SECONDS WITH CELEB TRAINER JONATHAN CASTANO ACERO

With over 500,000 Instagram followers, Fitness First and Personal Trainer Jonathan Castano Acero, is perhaps best known for training his celebrity clientele and works with Men's Health Australia as a Transformation Trainer. We sat down with the trainer who whips The Bachelor’s Matty J and Laura Byrne’s bodies into shape.

IS THERE A FITNESS PHILOSOPHY OR METHODOLOGY YOU LIVE BY?

Progressive overload is the gradual increase of stress placed upon the body during training. The principal is about continuously increasing the demands, so that you can make gains in muscle size, strength, and endurance.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A PERSONAL TRAINER WITH FITNESS FIRST? HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A PT GENERALLY?

I’ve been a part of Fitness First for a few years now, but have been in the Fitness Industry for over 10 years.

WHAT CERTIFICATES, ACCREDITATIONS, CERTIFIED COURSES HAVE YOU COMPLETED?

• Diploma in Fitness

• Diploma of Nutrition

• Advanced Suspension Training

• Kettlebells Level 2

• Level 1 Strength and Conditioning

• Myofascial Release Level 1

• Strength and Condition Level 1

WHAT’S THE SIGNATURE MOVE OR A SPECIALTY WORKOUT YOU’RE KNOWN FOR?

My favourite would have to be a Front Squat – it’s a compound movement that really tests your mobility and strength. I love it because it challenges the anterior core more than Back Squats do. It focuses on quads and upper back while Back Squats focus more on the hips, glutes and lower back.

AS SOMEONE WHO SPENDS THEIR DAY MOTIVATING OTHERS, WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

My job gives me the ability to make a difference in someone’s life day in, day out. The feeling of knowing the positivity you create in your client’s lives is priceless.

WHAT MUSIC PUMPS YOU UP AND GETS YOU IN THE MOOD TO SWEAT?

I’m a big Drake fan, and his tunes definitely help me push through those gruelling sessions.

IT’S 4PM ON A SUNDAY. WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU?

Probably down at the beach soaking up what’s left of the sun. Growing up we didn’t have beaches close by so living close to Coogee helps.

ASIDE FROM THE PHYSICAL GAINS, WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR CLIENTS TAKE AWAY FROM A SESSION WITH YOU?

The feeling of knowing they gave it everything they had in the session. I don’t like to waste time while training.

YOUR CLIENT IS FEELING THE BURN WITH 60SECS TO GO ON THE BATTLE ROPES. WHAT MANTRA DO YOU TELL YOUR CLIENTS TO GET THEM THROUGH THE LAST 10SECS?

“Be the best you can be!” I live day to day with this motto. Never compare your goals to someone else’s just focus on YOU!

IF YOU WERE A MOVIE CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE?

I would have to say the HULK! The STRENGTH!

To find out more about Jonathan, follow him on Instagram or visit his website Acero Training Series.