Rebuilding Strength—Inside and Out: How My Heart Surgery Transformed the Way I Train (and Coach)

Hi, I’m Carlos! I’m a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and transformation specialist with years of experience helping people transform not just their bodies, but their lives. My training philosophy centers around building strength, improving cardiovascular endurance, and enhancing overall well-being through sustainable, personalized fitness routines.

My background is rooted in strength and conditioning, with a strong emphasis on cardiovascular endurance. I specialize in helping clients move efficiently, build lean muscle, tone their bodies, and boost stamina. It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing performance goals, aesthetic results, or simply want to feel stronger and more capable in everyday life; I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

My Turning Point

In 2022, my fitness journey took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Despite years of regular exercise, I underwent triple bypass surgery in early 2023; a life-changing experience that deepened my commitment to health and transformed how I approach fitness.

This journey taught me the power of intentional breathing, focused strength training, and smart nutrition, not just for recovery, but for living fully. Today, I bring that personal insight into every session, guiding my clients with empathy, evidence-based strategies, and a renewed understanding of what it means to take control of your health.

My Passion

I’m passionate about working with anyone ready to improve their health and fitness, but I have a special place in my practice for individuals living with chronic or incurable conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or limb loss.

Having gone through the emotional and physical challenges of heart surgery and recovery myself, I understand how overwhelming it can be to start (or restart) a fitness journey after a life-altering diagnosis. That experience fuels my desire to create a safe, empowering space for clients who want to rebuild their strength, confidence, and independence.

My ideal client isn’t defined by experience or fitness level, it’s someone who’s committed to becoming stronger, more capable, and more resilient, no matter where they’re starting from.

Specialties

• Cardiovascular Endurance
• Strength & Conditioning
• Lean Muscle Development
• Body Toning & Definition
• Functional Fitness

Journalism & Blogging Experience

Beyond my passion for fitness and wellness, I bring over 15 years of experience in the editorial industry and a diverse freelance writing career spanning real estate, business, music, fashion, art, and food.

I’ve coordinated and conducted interviews with high-profile figures such as Adrien Brody, Martha Stewart, and Candice Bushnell. As a music and entertainment journalist, I’ve interviewed artists including Mýa, The Veronicas, Carmit Bachar of The Pussycat Dolls, and the late Anne Heche. My work has been featured in both U.S. and U.K. publications, including several cover stories.

My assignments have taken me to top restaurants and exclusive events in New York City and Los Angeles, where I’ve covered openings, cultural happenings, and written in-depth restaurant reviews.

This storytelling foundation has deeply influenced the voice of my blog, my fitness brand, and the way I connect with clients. From writing a feature story or blog post to coaching a training session, I bring curiosity, clarity, and creativity to everything I do.

Interested in training with me? Just want to connect?

DM me on Instagram @Litoswaay or send an email to Lacayo.Carlos1@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.
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