Jono Castano used to spend his days running from one personal training client to the next at various gyms, but he’s achieved a lot since then.
The popular celebrity trainer is speaking out for the first time about the stress and exhaustion he faced while building his successful wellness business. He also revealed he struggled emotionally after his breakup with Simone Holtznagel.
‘I probably wasn’t the best mentally,’ Jono told Daily Mail.
The rapid growth of ACERO, a popular Australian fitness brand, became overwhelming, leading its founder to take a break and rethink his approach.
Traveling abroad gave him the chance to relax, rediscover what mattered to him, and think clearly without the pressures of work.
As 2026 approaches, Jono feels he’s entering a particularly ambitious and exciting phase of his life, fueled by both his career goals and his role as a father.
My daughter is my biggest motivation. I’m focused on creating a brighter future for her, and that’s what guides everything I do.
As someone who’s spent years in the wellness world, I’ve seen a lot of trainers come and go. But Jono’s story with Acero is really inspiring! He started out like many of us, hustling through gym after gym with personal training clients. Now, he’s sharing how he strategically built Acero into one of Australia’s fastest-growing wellness brands – it’s a masterclass in quiet determination and smart growth, and I’m excited to see what he does next.
The lightbulb moment came when he realised his days were capped.
He explained that he has a limit to how many appointments he can handle each day. This led him to consider how to grow and improve his work.
That question would spark what is now a full-scale wellness movement.
‘It’s not just a gym,’ Castano said. ‘It’s a movement. It’s a community with purpose.’
The turning point came via Instagram DMs, when aspiring trainers began asking to work under him.
Seeing that my work was inspiring others was a turning point. It made me realize I had the potential to create something much larger than myself, he explained.
But growth has not come without serious risk.
Castano admits he once poured all of his personal funds into opening a gym that failed to take off.
Things didn’t start as planned,” he explained. “We took a big gamble, and unfortunately, it didn’t pay off.
He also revealed his biggest fear was that Acero could not survive without him physically present.
‘My biggest fear was that if I wasn’t there, the gym wouldn’t be as busy,’ he said.
‘That’s when I realised the brand is much bigger than I am now.’
Acero now provides a complete range of wellness services, including strength training, Pilates, kickboxing, physiotherapy, and recovery treatments, all in one location.
Looking ahead, Castano is preparing his boldest move yet.
By 2026, Acero plans to grow its focus on long-term health and recovery, including establishing wellness centers in hotels abroad and temporary pop-up locations.
Future wellness centers will offer cutting-edge recovery services like cold plunges, infrared saunas, and IV therapy, catering to people focused on improving their long-term health.
His personal life has also taken an unconventional turn.
Even though they’re no longer a couple, Castano and his ex-partner, Amy, are still business partners, and he claims their working relationship is better than ever.
He said their relationship felt better than ever. He feels she truly understands him, knowing everything about Acero.
He also revealed Amy has become a deeply trusted figure in his family life.
‘She’s a great godmother,’ Castano said. ‘She’s the perfect godmother for my daughter.’
He describes Amy as his most trusted adviser and a key architect behind the brand’s future.
‘I trust her with my decisions and my whole life,’ he said.
And when it comes to the secret behind his success, Castano is blunt.
‘I don’t believe in luck,’ he said. ‘You create your own opportunities.’
Read More
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Sora Guide: Best Build, Emblem and Gameplay Tips
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Best Hero Card Decks in Clash Royale
- All Brawl Stars Brawliday Rewards For 2025
- Best Arena 9 Decks in Clast Royale
- Brawl Stars December 2025 Brawl Talk: Two New Brawlers, Buffie, Vault, New Skins, Game Modes, and more
- Vampire’s Fall 2 redeem codes and how to use them (June 2025)
- Clash of Clans Meltdown Mayhem December 2025 Event: Overview, Rewards, and more
- Clash Royale Witch Evolution best decks guide
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
2025-12-25 05:34