Peterson Wellford wears two hats that, at first glance, may seem unrelated but are, in fact, a natural fit. The 34-year-old Memphian is a high-energy fitness coach and a successful realtor, helping his community find strength in their bodies and comfort in their homes. Peterson can be found leading early morning classes at CycleBar or Rumble Boxing in Midtown and, later in the day, showing homes across Memphis with his real estate brokerage, The Firm. But neither of these careers was something Peterson originally set out to pursue.
“I wasn’t looking for a career in fitness or real estate, but I like to say that both found me,” he says. After finishing graduate school and moving back to Memphis in 2017, Peterson took a class at CycleBar Germantown. The studio was looking for male instructors, and after an audition, they hired him. Although his mother had been a fitness instructor and he grew up swimming competitively, Peterson never envisioned himself pursuing a career in coaching. But once he stepped into the role, it felt right. What he loves most about both coaching and participating in group fitness classes is the emotional impact it can have. “It’s not just about sweating. The music and energy brought to a class can take everyone on a journey,” he says. “It’s a release. I tell my classes that if something isn’t serving you, you need to let it go.”
Peterson’s career in real estate followed a similar path. By 2020, he was managing both the Midtown and Germantown CycleBar locations when the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant halt in group fitness. As the entire country questioned what the future of group fitness spaces might look like in the wake of the pandemic, this experience also left Peterson rethinking his professional goals. In 2021, he got his real estate license and hit the ground running in his new career. “Group fitness gave me a built-in network,” he says. “It’s been a great way to meet people, both new to Memphis and long-time locals.”
However, it’s not just his connections that give Peterson an edge in real estate. Years of athletic training have led him to develop a deep appreciation for the mental clarity and physical energy that come with staying fit. “When you feel good physically, your mind is sharper,” he says. “That helps me show up for clients and be my most focused, patient, and energized self.”
Now, with four years as a realtor and nearing a decade in the fitness space, Peterson appreciates that his clients, classmates, and friends have blended into one community. These days, he keeps a tight schedule, relying on his calendar to balance all of the hats he wears. “I used to have separate calendars for work and my personal life. Now, everything’s integrated.” He no longer coaches during weekdays, instead opting for early mornings and Saturday classes. “People rarely want to see a house before 8 a.m., so this is still my time to dedicate to my group fitness classes,” he jokes.
In his work as a realtor, he’s also seen how fitness and wellness are influencing housing trends for anyone from first-time home buyers to those looking for more luxurious amenities. “A lot of my clients are looking for a separate space for at-home workouts, patios with shade, or a sunny room they can use for yoga.” Other amenities on the rise are steam showers, saunas, and cold plunges. “People are looking to invest in recovery,” he explains.
Neighborhood choice also matters for health-conscious Memphians seeking a new home. “Walkability is huge,” Wellford says. “Areas like High Point Terrace and Cooper-Young are hot because you can walk to coffee shops, parks, and restaurants and experience that healthy community energy. People want to be outside and moving.”
Whether he’s leading a sunrise workout or unlocking the door to a dream home, Peterson proves that there’s no limit to the energy and impact he can bring to his Memphis community.
Visit Thefirmmemphis.com to learn more about The FIRM and keep up with Peterson on Instagram @pwellford.
By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Elizabeth Looney Scott
