Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcos Carrillo
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career journey began as many do—in a swirl of uncertainty and a quest for direction. In college, I didn’t have a set path and often felt adrift as friends spoke passionately about their goals, equipped with clear plans and vision. Feeling pressure to choose a major, I decided on Public Relations, hoping it would open doors while I explored my interests. Yet, alongside my classes, I found myself regularly drawn to the quiet space of a yoga practice. In between lectures, i’d go to the courtyard and flow on my own. During the week I took advantage of free yoga classes at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. It was in these simple, grounding moments that my first seeds of passion began to grow.
One day, my yoga teacher gently nudged me to deepen my practice by joining studio classes and encouraged me to pursue Yoga Teacher Training. Reluctantly at first, I took the leap and soon discovered that yoga offered more than just physical exercise—it was a path to self-discovery and a gift I wanted to share. Shortly after graduating, I completed my YTT and made the bold decision to teach full-time. For nearly five years, I taught at studios, elementary schools, gyms, coffee shops, and even hosted events at unique venues. Along the way, I continued my education, picking up multiple certifications to refine my approach and find my unique style as a teacher. Eventually, I became a facilitator for the Black Swan Yoga Teacher Training Program, deepening my connection to the practice and community I’d come to love.
Recently, I expanded my journey further by completing certifications in Personal Training and Corrective Exercise. This step felt natural—another way to empower others toward health and well-being. In my first year as a personal trainer, I built a client base through the community I’ve found, balancing training sessions, yoga classes, and weekend yoga teacher training sessions. Running my own business and promoting health among friends and clients has shown me the power of passion-driven work.
Today, I’m profoundly grateful for this path that emerged out of uncertainty and self-discovery. I love what I do and can’t imagine anything more rewarding than helping others find balance, strength, and joy on their journeys.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as a yoga teacher and trainer has been both wild and rewarding. Since completing my Yoga Teacher Training in 2019, I’ve taught at over ten studios and six gyms, exploring different spaces to find where I felt most at home and which communities aligned with my values. Eager to give back, I started an organization called Yoga with a Cause, where we volunteered in elementary schools to teach yoga to kids. With a strong team and a partnership with Big Thought, we even began discussions to bring yoga to multiple schools across the Dallas Independent School District. Unfortunately, just as we were developing a contract, the pandemic hit, and the program was dissolved.
With in-person work on hold, I pivoted to virtual classes and hosted yoga sessions in an empty loft during quarantine, maintaining distance but sharing moments of joy. I’ll never forget the happiness in everyone’s eyes—despite the uncertainty and isolation, yoga provided a much-needed sense of connection. During that time, I also focused on continuing my education in yoga and other areas of training, preparing for the next chapter.
As soon as restrictions lifted, I returned with renewed energy, teaching at apartment complexes, leading group fitness classes at White Rock Lake, and organizing yoga events across the city. One day, by chance, the lead trainer from Black Swan Yoga, Devon Young, attended one of my classes. Afterward, she invited me to lunch to discuss becoming a facilitator for their Yoga Teacher Training program. Being part of Black Swan and helping shape future yoga teachers has been an incredible experience. I love guiding others as they find their voice and step confidently into their paths as teachers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’ve been part of the fitness community since 2014, starting out with Dallasthenics, a calisthenics-focused group in Dallas. Over the years, I’ve built a strong foundation in calisthenics, yoga, mobility-focused training, and corrective exercise, all of which have shaped my passion for movement and community. For much of my journey as a yoga teacher, I didn’t plan to become a personal trainer. My goal was simple yet powerful: to create a safe space and build a community grounded in trust, encouragement, and heart.
When I eventually felt called to step into personal training, the support I received from my yoga community was heartwarming. Moving from a full-time yoga teacher to a personal trainer, my approach remains holistic. I see health as more than physical fitness—it’s about creating an experience where clients feel truly comfortable and valued each time they walk into the gym. I want my clients to feel safe, knowing they’re in the hands of someone who genuinely cares, listens, and respects their goals. Yet, I also aim to challenge them, pushing them toward growth when it’s time for that next set.
I am deeply grateful for the people I work with and the trust they place in me. Their commitment inspires me every day to continue growing, learning, and showing up as the best trainer I can be.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My passion for what I do and my persistence have been key tools for my growth. I always show up even when I am struggling. I believe the adversities I have faced have made me the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Yogiontherockss
Image Credits
Amanda Hunt
Ellee McMeans
