Meet Cori Lefkowith of Redefining Strength in Costa Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Lefkowith.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Cori. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a college athlete and graduated with, what I thought, was my dream job. A few months in though, I realized “OMG this is NOT what I want to be doing.” I felt trapped and lost because my dream job was nothing like what I wanted to do. 

So at the encouragement of boyfriend, now amazing husband, I took the leap and jumped into fitness.

I wasn’t certified and had no experience, but I got a position working customer service at the front desk of a corporate gym. I took it as an opportunity to learn everything I could about the industry. I got certified, subbed any group training class I could, trained with anyone I could…took on any task that was offered. 

In about a year, I moved up from customer service rep to sales manager to assistant general manager all as I began training clients one on one. And as I started training, I began my first fitness blog. I began writing about what I was learning and the workouts and diets I was testing out.

I began building an online community. Two years after starting, I got offered a position as a general manager of another corporate gym… At that point, I took a look at what I wanted to do and realized I could manage a gym for someone else OR I could take a step back and grow my own business. And I realized that eventually I wanted to do things my way. So I turned down the position and prepared for a cross country move.

My friends and family thought I was crazy to turn down a cushy job for a part time training position. But I knew what I wanted and nothing was stopping me. I began writing more and sharing my knowledge and took every course and certification I could. And from that part time training job, I learned and grew and 2 years after that opened my own space, Redefining Strength.

Fast forward eight years and I now not only own a gym but have also built an online fitness community helping 100s of thousands of clients worldwide! I’m now honored to have my own amazing team of trainers and dietitians to help me change lives around the world.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

The struggles are what make it WORTH IT!

If anyone tells you the road was smooth, they’re lying. Each stage in growing your business provides new challenges. I think the key is to remember WHY you started because there will be bumps in the road, sometimes daily, that will make you want to question if you’re doing the right thing. 

I also tell myself… I got into training because I wanted to help people. That mission is strong enough that no matter how much I may HATE some of the struggles, I always power through.

I feel like each day there are new fires to put out. From websites not loading, to emails not sending, to trainers being sick, to finding new clients and keeping existing ones. But just remember why you started and it’s all worth it!

Redefining Strength – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Redefining Strength, we are focused on meeting clients where they are at to reach their goals while creating sustainable habits. We empower clients to become their healthiest, strongest, happiest selves at any and every age.

We offer everything from workouts to nutrition. But more than just programs, we offer a community and education. We know that accountability and coaching support can be key!

We all at times need that mentorship and outside perspective and that is what we provide.

When people go to a gym or hire a trainer, they don’t just need reps or sets or exercises randomly strung together. They need a program that will make them move and feel better. That will empower them to be better and will allow them to have FUN while doing it.

At Redefining Strength, we are more than just trainers counting reps and yelling at you to push harder. We are educators trying to make you better. 

We don’t want to make working out and getting results something overcomplicated you can’t do on your own. 

We want to teach you so you can feel empowered and in control of your health. 

And we want to provide you with the love and support that will help you not only reach your goals, but have fun while doing it.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is knowing I helped someone out there move and feel better. That I empowered someone to change their own life!

With Redefining Strength, my goal has always been to share my knowledge, my passion for fitness with as many people as possible.

Pricing:

• Ranges based on program (Contact us for more info)

Contact Info:

• Address: 25651 Taladro Circle, Suite G, Mission Viejo CA 92691
• Website: redefiningstrength.com
• Phone: 949-287-3123
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningstrength/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redefiningstrength/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@redefiningstrengthoc

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.