What Hollywood’s most trusted trainer knows about strength, stillness, and starting over
From private rooftop sessions with A-listers to silent sunrise runs along the Pacific, Louis Chandler has become a fixture in elite wellness circles. As a celebrity trainer and Director of Fitness at one of the world’s most influential wellness brands, his name has become synonymous with transformation: of bodies, of mindset, of lives.
But behind the sculpted physiques and curated calm lies a story few know—a path carved not just by discipline, but by redirection, and the decision to rebuild from the inside out. Chandler’s journey is not simply one of aesthetics, but of awakening. A rare blend of precision and presence, science and soul.
In this exclusive and personal interview, Louis invites us into the truths that don’t make it to Instagram: the cost of perfection, the pain beneath performance, and how strength—real strength—isn’t something you flex. It’s something you feel.
Louis, thank you for sharing your story with Evolvance. You’ve trained some of the most recognizable figures in the world, but not many people know your personal origin story. Was there a defining moment that shifted fitness from a hobby into your calling?
I was deep into football (soccer) from a young age, and I thought that was going to be my path. But after my career ended I found myself in the gym more still wanting that feeling of routine and to reconnect with my body and mind. That was the moment. I realized movement didn’t have to end with sport; it could evolve into something more meaningful.
Coaching others became a way to channel that same passion and discipline into helping people transform, both physically and mentally.
What’s the non-negotiable morning habit that sets the tone for success—for both you and your clients?
Movement, first thing, even if it’s just 5 minutes. I always start my day with breathwork, mobility, and hydration. It’s not about crushing a workout before 7 a.m , it’s about signaling to your body and mind that you’re stepping into the day with intention. That energy carries into everything, from training sessions to meetings and even how you show up for other people.
As someone shaping the future of wellness, what deeper mission drives the way you use your platform?
To create sustainable, holistic health. It’s easy to glorify intensity, especially online, but longevity and joy in movement are what really matter. I want to help people realize that fitness isn’t punishment, it’s empowerment. It’s a tool to elevate every area of your life. That’s why I speak about balance just as much as I talk about performance.
As someone who trains high-performing individuals under intense pressure, what have you learned about the mental side of transformation?
The mental game is everything. Discipline and resilience are muscles, just like your glutes or core, you have to train them. The people I work with face massive demands, and often the breakthrough isn’t physical it’s when they reconnect with their “why.” When someone sees progress not just in the mirror but in how they show up under stress, that’s the real transformation.
What’s one common misconception you see holding people back at the beginning of their fitness & wellness journey?
That you have to be perfect. Too many people think they need the perfect diet, the best workout, and flawless discipline from day one. That mindset actually holds people back.
Progress is messy, it’s meant to be. The key is consistency, not perfection. Small wins, stacked daily, are what change the game long-term.
For someone just beginning their fitness journey, what are three golden rules for building a strong, lean physique?
- Master your movement patterns, form first, always.
- Fuel your body, don’t deprive it, focus on quality nutrition, not just calories.
- Recovery is non-negotiable, sleep, mobility, and rest days are where the growth actually happens.
If someone’s not seeing physical progress, what’s the first variable you have them check or change?
Sleep. It’s the most overlooked tool in the entire fitness equation. Poor sleep impacts hormones, recovery, motivation, and performance. If your training and nutrition are dialed in but progress is stalled, I’m checking how you’re sleeping before anything else.
What’s your personal philosophy and approach on nutrition—strict plans or intuitive eating?
Intuitive eating with structure. I believe in giving your body what it needs, listening to it, but also being educated enough to make the right calls. I don’t count macros obsessively, but I’m mindful of what fuels me best. I prioritize whole foods, timing around training, and always stay hydrated. Flexibility is key, especially for long-term success.
What does YOUR workout routine look like?
I train like a hybrid athlete, strength, conditioning, mobility, and recovery all have their place. A typical week includes 2–3 heavy strength days, a couple of metabolic conditioning or HIIT sessions, and low-intensity recovery movement like yoga or zone 2 cardio. I also program in deload weeks and love throwing in unconventional training, sleds, kettlebells, EMS suits, just to keep the body guessing.
What does your version of “recovery” look like—not just for the body, but for the mind and heart? —any rituals that keep you grounded physically and emotionally?
For me, recovery is sacred. I do breathwork or meditation weekly if it’s just 10 minutes. I also make space for real connection, whether it’s time with my partner, close friends, or nature.
Grounding for me isn’t a luxury, it’s the other half of the work I do in the gym.
What’s next for you—any new projects, shifts, or personal goals?
I’m leaning more into education and mentorship, helping other coaches grow and evolve. I’ve developed a platform focused on helping people improve their fitness and healthy lifestyle.
What supplements, if any, do you recommend for energy, muscle recovery, or stress management in high-performance lifestyles?
Keep it simple and quality-driven. I use creatine for performance and recovery, magnesium glycinate for stress and sleep, omega-3s for inflammation, and a clean whey or plant-based protein.
if you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
Stop chasing outcomes and start falling in love with the process. You don’t need all the answers to start you just need to move forward with purpose. Oh, and stretch more. Trust me.
Louis Picks:
- Favorite pre-workout snack:Almond butter and jam toast with banana
- Coffee or matcha?Both, but I start my day with coffee
- Favorite gym strength training shoes:i love to train barefoot ! Or in my alo runners for multipurpose running and training
- 3 words that define you:Driven. Grounded. Energy .
- Favorite band:I’m a big 2000 hip hop fan so OUTKAST
As the world redefines what strength truly looks like, one thing is clear: Louis Chandler is not just leading the way—he’s walking it, barefoot and unfiltered.
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