my journey with powerlifting

My journey with powerlifting started in 2016. I went to the gym one day and saw a guy lift some serious weights. After talking for a while he explained the importance of following a program that is scientific based and individualized to take one's potential to the next level.

That man is Richard Acosta, a National Level lifter who took me under his wing, mentored me and also introduced me to the sport of powerlifting. He sent me an online program to start me off and explained that powerlifting isn't the flashiest sport and that it's not for everyone. He said, “ it's going to be hard, and sometimes there's situations where you have to take two steps back before you take three steps forward, but if you stay consistent and trust the process you'll be able to see your progress.”

Later down the road Rich introduced me to his coach who is now my personal coach, Jason Manenkoff. With him I decided to train for my first powerlifting competition. Jason is a world class level lifter who has coached many lifters and after working with him and seeing how he conducted himself, I knew I was in good hands. Jason improved my technique and upheld me to the highest of standards. He told me to treat every single session as if I was in a competition setting, and to not accept anything less than perfection.

After a few months I did my first competition under Jason and I went 9for9 and hit PR’s in all my lifts. Having my mentor Richard Acosta there for my first competition and coach Jason Manenkoff by my side is what made me want to continue lifting for years to come and built my love for the sport that still holds true to today.

I had been a personal trainer for many years but since that moment I always knew that my heart would be with powerlifting. Now, I want to share my experience and knowledge with others to help them become the best lifters they possibly can be. With time I have grown and have built a community of lifters. I do whatever I can to not only help them improve, but do whatever I can to always make myself available for them when they need it.

The promise I make to both myself and my lifters is to continue to push myself and be the best lifter I can be and by doing that, make each and every one of you better. I will continue to educate myself and share ideas because once you think you know it all, you stop learning and if you decide to be apart of this journey, we will continue to uphold the standard that I uphold for myself.

-Carlos

What People Are Saying

  • JENNA S.

    “

    Carlos has been my coach for almost a year now and I’ve learned so much. Not only has his programming made me stronger mentally and physically than I’ve ever felt before, but on meet day, I know I will be taken care of. And that is one of my favorite parts of having him as a coach. Knowing someone has my back and is there to tell me exactly what to do and expect makes the day go so seamless. I go into meet days with so much confidence and the ability to perform and execute great. He is always willing to send videos of what he wants in his lifter’s workouts, a phone call, etc and I am never left confused or wondering what to do or why. He always takes into consideration his lifter’s life and schedule when making their program and is open to change when needed.

    ”

  • KYLE S.

    “

    Having Carlos become my coach has completely changed everything I knew about the gym, for all the right reasons. From form and technique, to learning how to control the weight properly, Carlos knows exactly how to get the most out of his clients. Whether your goals are to increase strength and powerlifting, or even just staying fit and healthy, Carlos will be able to work with you to make sure you stay healthy, while also increasing strength along the way. I’ve learned more from Carlos in the last few months than I did in my first 4-5 years lifting and that alone just shows his unbelievable knowledge in the fitness industry as a whole.

    ”

  • JULIA STASIL

    “

    Within the first week of doing Carlos’ program, I felt stronger. I have always loved to lift, but Carlos sparked a new love for lifting that I didn’t even know I had. Carlos welcomed me with open arms, constantly reminding me before any lifting began, that this is a judgment-free zone, and no question is ever a ‘stupid’ one. It immediately made me comfortable working with him. In our first session, Carlos went step-by-step, teaching me the proper form of each exercise. He has consistently demonstrated a coaching style that makes me self-empowered and more confident as a lifter. I am so excited about my future with Carlos. After creating my first workout plan, he said, “I put my whole heart and soul into this.” That’s when I knew I chose the right person to help me reach my goals of becoming a powerlifter.

    ”

  • KEVIN T.

    “

    Carlos is an amazing coach. I met him when I signed up for a powerlifting meet and asked him to coach me. We only had about 14 weeks to prepare, and he helped bring my total up by 40 lbs and conditioned an absolute newbie(me) perfectly, making me look like a professional on stage. He always has a positive attitude, and you can tell that he genuinely cares about your progress. His workouts are challenging but extremely rewarding, and I’ve seen tons of progress from them. When it comes to coaching, Carlos is one of the best.

    ”

  • PRITHVI S.

    “

    Coach Carlos is the first person I've ever met regarding powerlifting and I can confidently say that my 1st session with him had the most dramatic impact on my skills/lifts as a lifter. Not only is he an intelligent person when it comes to the sport, but he’s very approachable and kindhearted. I believe he has exceptional skills as a coach, considering all the strong athletes he is working with currently and how quick he is to respond to questions regarding anything. By the end of my 1st session with him, I had a totally different outlook on the sport itself and finally realized the proper forms for each lift, which reduces the risk of injury dramatically. Honestly I think that my 1st session is the most I would gain in terms of information and proper form and that’s all thanks to Coach Carlos. I'm very thankful for working with him and giving me what I need in order to become a strong lifter!

    “

  • TYLER A.

    “

    Carlos is the coach to set you up for success. His approaches, mentality, and communication are the best out there. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to not only powerlifting, but fitness as a whole. In a short time frame, Carlos improved my benched substantially in both technique and strength. He made it one of my favorite lifts out of all the compound lifts when I use to despise it! Alongside that, my squat and deadlift improved dramatically as well. All of this was done in a healthy and safe manner too, which I appreciated alot. He knows how to bring out the best in his athletes and achieve any goal desired. I have grown not only as an athlete, but as an individual as well. Carlos’ extraordinary passion for coaching and helping others makes a duo to accomplish the unimaginable.

    “

Lets chat!

I would love to meet you and help you decide if my program is the right fit for you. Schedule a free zoom consultation below and lets chat!