Corey Calliet is a celebrity fitness trainer, body transformation specialist, motivational speaker, and actor. He is best known for his work as a personal trainer to Hollywood stars and top athletes like Michael B. Jordan, John Boyega, Lance Gross, Rocsi Diaz, Terrence Jenkins, Jasmine Sanders, Robbie Jones, Sterling Brim, Keith Powers, Kane Brown, Trevor Jackson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and D.J. Wilson. Calliet began his career in fitness as a personal trainer in his hometown of New Orleans before moving to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. In addition to his work as a trainer, he has served as fitness consultant for films including the "Creed" franchise, even appearing in "Creed II."
Corey, you’ve had a long-term working relationship with Michael B. Jordan since the first “Creed” film, how has that been for you? Can you elaborate on what it entails to prepare him for such a physically demanding role?
It’s been a great experience from day one, being able to see him transform from where he was in his career to where he is now. To get him ready for the film, we took about two to three months before filming to get the body back in shape, to get the mind prepared for the role itself, and to get him back in fighter shape.
I know that you live by the motto “Impossible is Nothing,” and you even have it tattooed on your arm! At what age did you discover the power of the mind, and how do you maintain that mental strength every day?
At 26 years old, I quit working for the postal service and that's when I realized I had the power of choice to rewrite my life. Then I went on to become a personal trainer, and when I became a personal trainer, fitness was my life. And with that, I changed my body. When I changed my body, that's when I realized that I was able to create the discipline, the focus, the sacrifice, and consistency to be whatever I can and want to be in this world. So I used that same blueprint that I used to change my body to change my life as well, to become successful. I've always used the gym and fitness as being the pillar and being the foundation of my focus because one thing about the body is, the body is always changing and evolving, and it's never going to be perfect, so I have to work at it every day. I take the same mentality and apply it in everyday life, which makes me mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually strong.
How does your training technique differ from say the average trainer? Do you find that people get more personalized attention working with you over someone at a local gym?
I don’t look at myself as a trainer; I look at myself as an artist. When an artist is developing a painting, the mindset is different because they are creating a piece of art, which is the same mindset I have when creating a body. I see a body as a blank canvas, and I use creativity to develop and sculpt that body into a masterpiece.
What would you say is the key thing when it comes to clients
who go through a workout program with you, lose weight,
and then go off on their own? What does it take for them to keep that lifestyle going after they train with you?
It takes the mindset. When you train with me, you’re not only training the body, you’re training the mind. Once you’ve trained your mind, the transformation can and will stay forever. My motto is “Change your mind, change your life.”
Can you recommend the top five foods that we should all be eating and the top five foods that we should avoid?
Having a healthy relationship with food is important, but when it comes to maximizing results when training, you should avoid fried foods, soda, refined and processed carbs, and sugary foods. Different bodies require different foods to fuel them, and not everyone wants the same results when training. But for most, it’s best to eat foods that are high in protein when trying to build muscle, fruits and vegetables for fiber and nutrition, healthy fats and grains, and smoothies are always a great alternative when you’re craving sweets or dessert.
What are the must-have supplements that you can’t live without?
X-tend BCAs and [Dymatize] ISO100 hydrolyzed protein powder specifically in the Cocoa PebblesTM flavor.
Let’s discuss your new gym! Can you give us the scoop on when it will open?
I’m opening up ACHV Fitness in mid-October, in Inglewood close to SoFi Stadium. Until the gym opens, I have my personalized app with workout and meal plans that you will find on my website www.
You can also catch Calliet’s ‘art’ as a fitness trainer in “Creed III,” showing in theaters now.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Christina Rosas Anastasiou
- Photography
- AJ Lising
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
