Today we’d like to introduce you to Colin Korsmo.
Colin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I never exercised and was very anti-social. I tried to be friends with people and do more outgoing things but I always wanted to stay home and play video games. By the time I got to college, I was nearing 300 pounds with a massive series of health problems. I lost close to 100 pounds and got my life together but still needed something more. Then I began working for lululemon a little over three years ago! I had just quit my job and was looking for something new and one of my friends recommended I work for them. Within a few months, I had fallen in love with group fitness and had made it a goal to teach spin before the year was up. I got an invite to teach for CycleBar and I haven’t looked back since! Now I have been teaching for CycleBar for almost three years and have been teaching at Rise Nation for about three months. It’s been a whirlwind of a journey but it’s been the best one I’ve been a part of!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has never been a smooth road. Dallas has such a competitive fitness scene and if you don’t make yourself known, you can fall straight on your ass. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by supportive people who have helped lift me up and remind me why I got into this industry. To help people. There would be many times I would have no one in my classes or just one or two people, but I still made sure to give 100%. I wouldn’t change those small classes ever!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rise Nation and CycleBar Uptown Dallas story. Tell us more about the business.
I work for lululemon as my full-time job and I teach for two different cardio-based fitness studios. Working for lululemon has been amazing because I get to not only work for an awesome company but as a part of the community team at my store, I get to work with all the badass studios and instructors here in Dallas! The two studios I work for are CycleBar Uptown Dallas and Rise Nation. I was a part of the opening crew of instructors for CycleBar (CBUD) and have been a part of it ever since! We specialize in rhythm-based performance cycling where everyone is welcome, no matter if you’re a first-timer or a cross country cycler! I love creating an open area where no one ever feels like they’re not in the right spot, but really that you’re exactly where you need to be. Rise Nation is where I get to go wild! Lots of lights, high-intensity sweat, and blasting beats that will leave you wanting more! Both places allow me to express myself fully and have the most fun!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Everyone gets lucky when they land a good gig. I would just say that if you think that you won’t be good enough for something, absolutely go for it. Hanging out on the sidelines only makes you a spectator. Be a leader!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @colinkorsmo
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