Now and then, I talk with someone who reminds me how powerful real change can be. Not quick wins or shortcuts, but the kind of transformation that reshapes someone’s life and the way they show up every day.

I recently had the chance to sit down with Cory Curtis on my podcast. Cory is an IFBB Pro athlete, transformation coach, and founder of CobraCor Coaching. He’s helped hundreds of people turn their health around, and he shared a lot about how he built a coaching business that’s grounded in real care and real results.

From Nuclear and Chemical Plants to a New Career Path

Cory didn’t start his career in fitness. He spent years working long rotating shifts in nuclear and chemical plants. These were 12-hour days and nights surrounded by huge tanks, control rooms, alarms, and nonstop monitoring. The work was steady, and many people would’ve said it was a “good job,” but he felt the opposite.

The shifts were exhausting. Switching back and forth between days and nights wore him down. His sleep suffered, his energy tanked, and the work itself didn’t bring any joy. As he wrapped up another shift watching gauges and pressure lines, he kept asking himself, “Is this really it?”

During those long hours, he started helping a few people with their diets and training on the side. Just small things, like creating a plan, checking progress, and sharing what he knew from his own bodybuilding journey.

Those early results lit a fire. He saw people gaining confidence and feeling better, and he couldn’t shake the thought that this was something he could build a life around.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

One day during a shift, he realized he couldn’t keep talking about his goals without actually chasing them. He put in his two weeks and decided to bet on himself. That leap led him to coaching full-time!

Building a Purpose-Driven Fitness Coaching Business

When Cory started CobraCor Coaching, he didn’t want to create just another generic fitness program. He wanted a business built on purpose.

Helping people feel better, get healthier, and gain confidence became his “why.” He told me several times that he still works long hours, but now the work feels meaningful. He works for himself, his clients, and the bigger mission behind what he does.

Role of Client Relationships

Cory’s clients aren’t just names on a spreadsheet. He builds real relationships with them. He pays attention, checks in often, and celebrates their wins.

He loves watching people grow, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. He says that watching someone’s confidence come back is one of the best parts of the job.

That personal connection keeps him going and sets his coaching apart.

Coaching Real People, Not Just Competitors

Even though Cory is an IFBB Pro, most of his clients aren’t aiming for the stage. In fact, 60–70% of them are everyday people who want to feel healthier, lose some weight, or build better habits.

He helps them boost their confidence, get stronger, and feel like themselves again. And he focuses on mindset and discipline over extreme diets.

Here are a few of his core coaching strategies:

• Meet people where they are.

• Keep food choices realistic, not restrictive.

• Build habits that last instead of quick fixes.

• Pay attention to confidence and lifestyle changes, not just pounds.

• Teach clients how discipline in fitness carries into the rest of life.

Beyond Workouts: A Holistic Approach to Health

Cory doesn’t stop at workouts or meal plans. He looks at the whole picture—sleep, digestion, blood work, hormones, and heart health. He told me that basic lab results from the doctor often show what’s “in range,” but that doesn’t always mean someone is healthy.

He’s helped clients regain menstrual cycles after extreme dieting. He’s helped people improve heart markers that weren’t being checked in routine screenings. And in two recent cases, his guidance helped couples conceive after IVF attempts hadn’t worked.

These stories show how much information matters. Just like agents listen to real estate podcasts to stay informed, Cory uses data and ongoing learning to help people get long-term results.

He focuses on real wellbeing—not fast weight loss or short-term tricks.

A Coaching Process That Fits Real Life

One of the most refreshing parts of talking with Cory was hearing how he keeps things practical. His clients eat real food, like pizza, cereal, and even donuts when it makes sense. He builds plans around their lifestyle so they can stick with them.

Here’s how he structures his coaching:

• Weekly check-ins with questions about sleep, digestion, water intake, and stress

• Photos to track changes that the scale can’t show

• Accountability through messages or shared workout updates

• Optional virtual training sessions when someone needs hands-on help

• A focus on sustainability instead of strict rules

He also shared his thoughts on weight-loss drugs. He sees the value for people who are severely overweight, but for someone who needs to lose 20 or 30 pounds, he encourages building basic habits first. He wants people to feel strong, not depleted.

Want to hear my entire conversation with Cory? Listen to our podcast episode!

Listen to More Inspiring Success Stories and Insights on HomeBrew Podcast!

Talking with Cory reminded me how powerful it is when someone chooses a new path and sticks with it. His story is full of discipline, purpose, and real care for the people he works with.

If you enjoyed his story and insights, tune into HomeBrew Podcast. Every week, we highlight people in South Carolina who are building businesses, serving their communities, and pushing through challenges to create something meaningful.

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