From Parking Lot Workouts to a Beloved Community: The Story of CORE57’s Founder, Kolleen Losch

Fifteen years ago, CORE57 didn’t start in a sleek space with polished floors and state-of-the-art equipment. It started in the most humble way possible: in the basement of a stay-at-home mom with a big vision and even bigger heart.

That mom was Kolleen Losch. Through grit, determination, and a belief in the power of personal transformation, she has grown that basement beginning into a thriving functional fitness studio and a tight-knit community where members come first. 

Where It All Began

Kolleen’s journey into fitness was never accidental. She was a competitive gymnast in her youth and went on to compete in collegiate cheerleading, carrying her passion for movement into adulthood. But her path to entrepreneurship wasn’t initially about building a business, it was about helping people.

When a neighbor who had undergone eight knee surgeries asked Kolleen for help, she realized something important: many people needed fitness support that was safe, personalized, and empowering. That moment sparked the mission that would become CORE57 - helping everyday people not just work out, but move better, feel better, and live better. 

What began as training sessions in a community parking lot, hauling equipment in and out of a Suburban, eventually became a full studio. Kolleen jokingly refers to that early mobile gym as her “fitness mobile,” but the impact was anything but small. Over the next two years, she taught classes, welcomed new faces, and built trust until she was ready to open her first physical location. 

Building More Than a Gym

When CORE57 first opened its doors, Kolleen envisioned a space that didn’t just deliver workouts, but fostered real community. She wanted a place where people felt supported, seen, and challenged in ways that extended well beyond strength training. The name itself reflects this dual focus: a nod to the Losch family (five kids + family of seven), and to the core philosophy Kolleen built her studio on — the 5 Steps to Success and 7 Foundations of Fitness. 

Over the years, CORE57’s personalized approach set it apart. Kolleen and her team developed a deeply intentional onboarding process, getting to know every member’s goals, challenges, lifestyle, and even personal background. Rather than treating clients as numbers, the studio treated them as individuals — tailoring plans and programs that worked within their lives, not against them. 

Triumphing in a Tough Industry

The fitness world is notoriously competitive, and gyms open and close at a rapid pace. But CORE57 didn’t just survive, it thrived. Kolleen remembers being told early on that a stay-at-home mom wouldn’t last in the industry. She proved them wrong. 

“What makes me proud isn’t just that we’ve stayed open, but that we’ve gained respect as a brand in the community,” she said. “We take our members seriously. We listen to their needs and their goals and we deliver.” 

CORE57 expanded over time. As it grew, so did its community impact. The studio wasn’t just a place to exercise, it was a welcoming home where members supported each other, celebrated wins, and found inspiration in one another’s stories. 

What Makes CORE57 Unique

For Kolleen, the secret sauce has always been depth and connection. She knew early on that cookie-cutter fitness programs wouldn’t create lasting impact. What clients needed was a personalized framework, grounded in sound science and guided by attentive coaches who truly understood them.

“Our trainers keep detailed notes, communicate behind the scenes, and meet every client where they are,” she explained. “If someone walks in with a nagging injury or limitation, our team adjusts - because fitness should challenge you safely, not push you into harm.” 

A Legacy of Empowerment

While there have been many meaningful milestones over the years, Kolleen points to the real moments of impact as those that happen quietly. She recalls working with a member battling cancer, helping her build strength and confidence one step at a time. Stories like these remind her why she got started it in the first place. 

Core57 isn’t just a fitness studio. It’s a space built for people with real lives, real goals, and real stories. It’s a place where strength is measured not just in pounds lifted, but in confidence regained and lifestyles transformed. It's a family.