Gary Smith

Passionate and highly experienced Strength and Conditioning Coach with over 17 years in the fitness industry, including 10 years as the owner and operator of two successful gyms. One facility was a CrossFit affiliate, while the other specialised in Functional Bodybuilding, supported by six-time CrossFit Games athlete Marcus Filly, founder of Functional Bodybuilding. Currently based in London, I specialise in CrossFit, Functional Bodybuilding, body transformation coaching, programme design, and group fitness coaching.

My mission is to help individuals unlock their physical potential through high-quality coaching, evidence-based training methods, and world-class programming. With extensive expertise in programme design, client development, team leadership, and coach mentoring, I have coached clients across a wide range of abilities and goals while also developing coaching talent and leading successful fitness businesses. Throughout my career, I have taken pride in mentoring coaches, developing coaching skillsets, and creating positive, high-performing coaching environments.

More recently, I have collaborated with Marcus Filly to help introduce Functional Bodybuilding to the UK and Italy and have gained valuable international experience working at Functional Bodybuilding headquarters in the United States. Drawing on my experience in business ownership, team leadership, and coach development, I am passionate about creating exceptional coaching environments that build strong member relationships, develop high-performing coaching teams, and deliver the outstanding standards of service, expertise, and results expected within a premium fitness environment. I lead by example and strive to foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and outstanding member experience.

Fitness Coach & Personal Trainer - UN1T - San Francisco, CA, USA

(2025-01)

• Trailing and testing the Functional Bodybuilding Persist program, designed by Marcus Filly at Functional Bodybuilding HQ in San Francisco, CA, USA
• Online coaching with client in Italy and the UK

CrossFit and Functional Bodybuilding Coaching, Mentoring and Programming - Independent (Rome, Italy) - Rome, Italy

(2022-01 - 2025-01)

• Delivered one-on-one personal training and small group classes in CrossFit and functional fitness facilities across Rome
• Designed and implemented customized body transformation programs
• Led Functional Bodybuilding classes and program design, focusing on technique, injury prevention, and performance
• Built strong client relationships and improved long-term health outcomes

Guest Coach - Functional Bodybuilding HQ - California, USA

(2023-01 - 2023-12)

• Gained hands-on experience alongside Marcus Filly and the U.S. team
• Contributed to global FBB coaching strategy and methodology refinement

Founder & Head Coach - Built Unique - Birmingham, UK

(2020-01 - 2022-12)

• Owned and managed boutique training facility for over a decade
• Developed successful client transformation programs tailored to all fitness levels
• Led a team of coaches, maintained high standards of delivery and service

Functional Bodybuilding UK Lead Coach - Functional Bodybuilding - Remote + Travel-Based

(2020-01 - 2022-12)

• Partnered with Marcus Filly to launch and scale Functional Bodybuilding in the UK
• Designed and delivered diverse programming to athletes and general population clients
• Conducted workshops, seminars, and virtual coaching sessions

Founder and Director - CrossFit B76 - Birmingham, UK

(2014-01 - 2020-12)

• Head Coach, programme design, delivering sessions
• Running day-to-day operations
• Developing and educating staff