Today, we’d like to introduce you to Corie Campbell.
Hi Corie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Of course, I had always dabbled in fitness. I grew up as a competitive gymnast, and after my daughter was born, I got more serious about getting back in shape. We moved from Chicago to Houston in 2017, and I knew I wanted to go back to work by the time my kids were in school full time, but having a special needs son, I knew I wanted to work for myself.
I had a degree in business and a passion for fitness, so I decided to pursue my Personal Training Certification and open my own studio. I spent about a year going through the coursework after my kids were in bed and I decided to start part time hoping to grow my client base so that by the time my daughter went to kindergarten I had a fairly sustainable business.
I had to convince my husband to turn our garage into a gym – which did take some convincing – but he could build anything and make the space amazing. I started very part-time while my daughter was in pre-school, and now, five years later, I’m working full-time and have the most amazing clients.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I mean, anything worth doing comes with some challenges. I am a fairly introverted person, so I still get nervous when I work with a new client, and I just have to remind myself that I’m good at what I do and I have to trust my skill set. I think managing a business, big or small, always has some struggles – for me, it’s the bookkeeping.
Staying current on the process just feels like a chore; I ended up hiring an amazing accountant to do most of the heavy lifting for me, and that has been so amazing. Now, I just have to stay up to date on the month-to-month pieces, which is much more manageable. The fitness industry ebbs and flows. I have had very consistent long-term clients and those who come and go and come back again and some who are only with me for a season – so forecasting revenues can be tricky in this business because it is so dependent on clients committing to the process.
Lately, I have been working on expanding the business, which is its whole own obstacle and challenge. It’s a lot of overcoming the imposter syndrome and stepping outside of my comfort zone, which, after five years, is still very real.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pure Joy Training is a personal training studio in Cypress, Texas. I specialize in personal fitness training for all ranges and ages of people and I think that’s what makes it so special. I am passionate about helping people learn how to train safely and effectively and showing people that fitness, health, and wellness are for everyone, regardless of body type, background, or age.
I work with my kids, ages 9 and 11 – my daughter is a competitive cheerleader, and my son has special needs – I work with teenage athletes, young adults, couples, and older individuals who have no background in the weight room, and I love all of it. It is all different, which keeps it fresh for me. I am a basics and form trainer, and that works for literally everyone, regardless of whether your brand new or an experienced lifter.
I’ve studied youth training, adaptive training, and nutrition, as well as understanding and working with chronic pain so I can tackle nearly anything that comes my way – and if I don’t know, you better believe I’m going to figure it out because I want people to get the results they are after, and learn that working out can be a fun part of their day. I want readers to know that even if you don’t decide to work with me, there are trainers and places out there that are not scary.
I think the fitness industry and big gyms can make working out feel intimidating, and that is what is so special about Pure Joy Training – it’s your personal gym – no one else will be there, and you can take things at your own pace while you build confidence. Everyone deserves a place in the gym if they want one – everyone deserves to try new things and work at their own pace with their own weights. The gym isn’t just for the heavy lifters – it’s for everyone who wants to learn.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a must for everyone.
Change Maker by Dr. John Berardi is amazing. ROAR and Next Level by Stacy Sims, PhD. If you are a woman in fitness, these are a must-read. Glute Lab by Bret Contreras, PhD and Glen Cordoza is hands down amazing. All trainers should own it. Rebuilding Milo B., Dr. Aaron Horsching, this one as well. If you are a trainer, it should be in your library.
The Peloton app is amazing for anyone looking for a bit of support. I don’t work for Peloton, so I get no kickback, but I do recommend it to all my clients for a little push when they are on their own. The instructors are very well qualified—the best I’ve seen on any on-demand platform—and they are who I’m listening to if I am on a run or if I want to take a yoga class, a running class, or a bike class.
As for podcasts, I have to admit I am a true crime junkie… I can’t say it helps me do my best in life, but when you eat, sleep, and breathe fitness and nutrition, you need to break it up a bit. If you see me mowing my grass or out for a walk – I’m listening to true crime.
Pricing:
- $85/hr – Personal Training 60 minutes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.purejoytraining.com
- Instagram: @purejoytraining
- Facebook: @purejoytraining
- Twitter: @purejoytraining
