Welcome to The Roadmap from ASBN.com, where we bring you inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. Today, host Lee Heisman speaks with Cory Waller, the man behind the transformative Cory Waller Way. Waller shares his unique journey from military service to fitness entrepreneur and reveals how his innovative boot camp philosophy has not just transformed, but changed the lives of many.
Key Takeaways
1. Corey Waller’s passion for fitness began as a child, inspired by television wrestlers such as Ric Flair and Tony Atlas. Intrigued by their physiques, Corey would ask for dumbbells at an early age instead of toys. This early interest in fitness became the foundation for his future career, where he aimed to understand and emulate the physical abilities of those he admired on television.
2. Waller emphasized the important connection between health, mental agility and goal achievement while serving as an infantry medic in the military. He observed firsthand how important proper nutrition, sleep and hydration were to physical performance during demanding missions such as 25-mile road marches. This holistic approach to health became a fundamental aspect of his fitness philosophy, emphasizing the importance of overall health.
3. A chance meeting with Steve Uriah in Buckhead, Atlanta changed Corey’s career path. Inspired by Uriah’s success in personal training, Corey realized he could turn his passion for fitness into a high-paying job. He quit his part-time job to pursue personal training full-time, eventually opening one of Atlanta’s first personal training studios. This pivotal moment highlighted the potential of aligning career and personal passion.
Four. Additionally, Walker introduced the boot camp concept to Buckhead, blending military discipline with civilian fitness. His boot camps gained popularity for their unconventional approach, incorporating outdoor training with minimal equipment. To keep participants motivated, Corley introduced innovative incentives, including high pay, to motivate them. This approach retained customers and produced impressive results, proving the effectiveness and appeal of reward-based fitness programs.
Five. But Walker’s bootcamps attracted a primarily female clientele, and he began to recognize the unique dynamics of women’s group fitness. He noticed a strong sense of community and support among the women that led to their participation and success. Leveraging his wife’s fitness journey, Corey customized programs to address the specific needs and challenges women faced. This strategy fostered a supportive environment where participants felt inspired and connected to one another, highlighting the power of community in fitness.
“Bring me a pair of jeans and I’ll have them in you in eight weeks.” – Corey Waller
