Welcome to Better Mövment! My name is Michael Musto. I offer a series of training programs that will help you improve your quality of life. Over the course of these programs, you will build strength, stability, and mobility all while working towards your goal physique. Before we start, here’s a little background on Better Mövment and myself.
I have been coaching in the fitness space since I was 16 and have been lifting weights since I was 12. I hit the parental jackpot. I was privileged with amazing parents who supported me (and paid) through all of my training. I was equally blessed with great strength and conditioning coaches who took the time to mentor and coach me over the numerous years. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I was 12 years old when I first started lifting weights. After a long-winded discussion (with me) about the importance of strength training and the impact it would have on my (future) college football career, my parents put me into CrossFit with a personal trainer. Her name was Robin Lyons.
After being personally trained in the CrossFit space for four years, Robin parted ways with the CF gym she had owned. Meaning I was no longer able to train with her. Though, through what I could only deem as fate, I had an amazing opportunity arise. The (then) SUU (Southern Utah University) Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Jacob Hutton, opened up 5 spots for athletes wanting to take their training to the next level. My parents did not hesitate to sign me up. And Jake, indeed, took my (and a few other high school athletes) training to the next level with collegiate athlete, science-based training.
That adventure blossomed for three more years until I finally graduated high-school, and Jake moved further South to co-own his own gym with Steve Cook. It was perfect timing as this was the point where I started playing college football, where I was trained (alongside 60-something other football players) by the SUU Head Strength and Conditioning Coach (and his assistant S&C coaches). Will Greenberg and his crew really dialed our training up to 11, as they needed the incoming freshman to gain a lot of mass.
Will always took the time to talk to his athletes and answer any questions they had about Strength and Conditioning. I will never forget the day he sat down with me for about an hour and took the time to delve into how to start the path of becoming a Strength and Conditioning Coach. Although he was always stern and serious, he loved his athletes. His hard work and dedication shone through his work. He brought so much value to every school/program he was a part of. So much so that he was recruited to be the Head Nutritionist of the NFL football team, the Buffalo Bills.
After 2 years playing college ball, I suffered a career ending injury. I had no choice but to move on from my college football adventure. Thus, I decided to pursue a job in the Strength and Conditioning field. Coincidentally, I ended up right back where I started - at a CrossFit gym. And this is where I met a good friend, mentor, and coach, Nick Burns. Nick would teach, mentor, coach, and critique me during my time at this gym. He never got paid a cent for doing all of this for me. He did it out of his own good will - which allowed me to progress, immensely, as a coach, leader, and a human being. This allowed me to work up to (basically) be his right-hand man. And given all of his guidance and leadership, I was able to take a job as a head coach in another CrossFit gym in a neighboring city.
Surprisingly, my string of luck did not end there. As I was immediately welcomed (warmly) by the then-owners of the CrossFit gym I moved to, Ali Bagley and Jeremy Hopkin. Although I didn’t receive too much coaching from these two, they definitely gave feedback when applicable and helped out with getting things up and running. But most importantly, Ali and Jer made me feel right at home at the new gym I was a part of. They took me in as if I was their own child. About 6 months later from when I had started coaching, Ali and Jer sold the gym to another couple, Cara and Ray Forrester. Of course, I was nervous not knowing the future of my position as head coach. Though, I was excited to show the new owners what I could do.
Graciously, Cara and Ray took me under their wing as if I was one of their own. They treated me like family while simultaneously holding me to a high standard as they had certain expectations of me. Rightly so, as I was still given the position of “head coach.”
With that said, it didn't take long for them to make (much needed) changes to the gym. For starters, we navigated away from the CrossFit methodology and tried something new; bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness. Cara and Ray’s goal was to make coaching viewed through the lens of being a professional coach as opposed to a “side-hustle for a free membership.” Needless to say, this (again) reinforced my purpose in becoming a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Around this same time frame, I met another good friend and coach, James Evertsen. Funny enough, I met him through an odd series of circumstances. His wife, Shandi, was knocking on different businesses talking about a new gym that was coming into town. She happened to stumble across Fundamental HQ and introduced herself to Cara and I. Some months later, I ended up going over and visiting their gym, CrossFit Muddy Water. And to make a long story short, James and I got along like peanut butter and jelly. We’ve been friends ever since. And in the very short time I’ve known him, he’s taught me so much about coaching, tenacity, and passion. A prime example of what a lot of hard work and dedication can bring to the table.
All of these coaches, friends, and mentors are to blame for my unhealthy obsession with becoming a Strength and Conditioning Coach. Admittedly, I have had some other phenomenal S&C coaches along the way that propelled me forward into this passion I have for fitness today. Which brings me to the present day…
I am now the proud owner of a gym in southern Utah called “The Rec Room.” A small gym with an emphasis on small group training and personalized programming.
To make a long story short, all of these amazing people I have had by my side along the way contributed to the love and passion I have for this field. And it has always motivated me to walk the same path, hoping I can one day be that coach who inspires others through coaching and exercise.
Although I’ve talked in circles about my previous mentors, coaches, and friends - I honestly couldn’t have done ANY of this without the help, encouragement, love, and unyielding support from my very own mama, Kasey. My mom has supported me from day one and has never once doubted me or talked down on my goals or aspirations. Her love and support has no bounds. Thanks to her, I’ve been able to slowly move the needle forward every day. And oddly enough, after having done some programming I gave to her, she suggested that I take my hard work and knowledge remotely.
Thus, Better Mövment was born.