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Hottest Trainer Contestant #4: Jay Centeno

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Welcome to Racked New York's search for New York City's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile sixteen smoking locals—fitness experts who not only look hot in spandex, but can make you look amazing too. Once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which readers vote for their favorites. Let the games begin!


Photos by Sean Gomes for Racked

Sure, musicians are generally hot. But a musician-turned-personal trainer? That's just next level. That's also Jay Centeno, who pulls double-duty as the director of training at SLT and an instructor at Barry's Bootcamp. Centeno turned his hobby of training bandmates on the road into a full-time gig six years ago, and he hasn't looked back since.

Though he draws a mostly female clientele at his SLT advanced classes—shocker, Centeno would encourage guys to hop on the Megaformer, too. "It's very beneficial for men that lift weights, and for endurance athletes that want to build an extremely strong core to protect the spine, excel on flexibility, and develop balance to prevent injury." Read on to learn about his song of the moment, the food he'd drop to the ground for, and how he tricks clients into coming back time after time.

What's one song that always gets you pumped up?
There are plenty, but the most recent in the last year or so is "The Phoenix" by Fall Out Boy. When the first line is "Put on your war paint," how can you not have the urge to break furniture?

Favorite celebrity body?
Layla Luciano.

What's always in your gym bag?
Vintage by John Varvatos. Studies show that 75% of emotions are triggered by smell, which is linked to pleasure, well-being, emotion and memory—handy when you want people to come back to your classes!

Food you'd do 50 burpees for?
Cinnamon Toast Crunch—haven't had that in years!

What's your favorite client breakthrough moment?
At SLT, you get a small plaque with your name on it to place on the Megaformer with your name on it after you've completed 100 classes. The people that reach that goal show true dedication and discipline—I am very impressed, humbled, and appreciative to each one for their loyalty and energy.

· @therealJayCen [Twitter]
· @therealjaycen [Instagram]
· Jay Centeno [Facebook]
· SLT [Official website]
· Barry's Bootcamp [Official website]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 Contestants [Racked NY]