Welcome to The Roadmap on ASBN.com, where we bring you the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Today, host Lee Heisman sits down with Cory Waller, the mastermind behind the transformative Cory Waller Way. Waller shares his unique journey from military service to fitness entrepreneurship, revealing how his innovative boot camp philosophy has not just changed, but transformed the lives of many.
Cory Waller’s fitness journey began in childhood, sparked by admiration for TV wrestling icons like Rick Flair and Tony Atlas. Fascinated by their physical prowess, Waller asked for weights instead of toys, setting the foundation for a lifelong passion for health and strength. His early desire to mirror the physiques he saw on screen eventually led him to a career centered around fitness and personal development.
While serving as an infantry medic in the military, Waller gained deeper insight into the connection between physical wellness and performance. He experienced firsthand how nutrition, sleep, and hydration directly impacted mental and physical resilience, especially during grueling tasks like 25-mile marches. This comprehensive understanding of health became a cornerstone of his fitness philosophy, blending physical training with holistic well-being.
Waller’s professional path shifted after meeting Steve Uriah in Buckhead, Atlanta. Inspired by Uriah’s success in personal training, Waller recognized the opportunity to turn his passion into a full-time career. He left his part-time job to open one of the area’s first personal training studios, marking a significant turning point that aligned his personal interests with entrepreneurial ambition.
Building on his military background, Waller introduced a boot camp-style fitness program in Buckhead, incorporating outdoor workouts and a no-frills, high-discipline approach. The camps stood out for their creativity and effectiveness, using high-end rewards to keep participants motivated and engaged. This innovative incentive model proved successful in retaining clients and producing strong fitness outcomes.
Noticing that most of his boot camp clients were women, Waller adapted his approach to better meet their needs. Drawing on his wife’s own fitness experience, he crafted programs that prioritized support, encouragement, and community. The strong camaraderie among female participants became a driving force behind their success, highlighting the role of emotional connection and mutual motivation in group fitness. Through this tailored, inclusive approach, Waller built a program that empowered women and fostered lasting results.
"Bring me your jeans, I'll get you in them in eight weeks." - Cory Waller
