Meet Lisa Bender Thiel

I thought it would be fun to get to know some of our female coaches here at Crossfit Central. Over the next few weeks I will be spotlighting the amazing women who train/nurture/yell at/laugh with us. Now, on to.......

Lisa Bender Thiel

How were you introduced to Crossfit?

While working in corporate wellness at Dell computers, one of the trainers I worked with started Crossfitting - In May of 2005 he took me to a UTB and introduced me to CrossFit and CrossFit Central! BTW - that UTB had about 8 people in attendance including Carey, Jeremy, Kris and Zach! The first benchmark CrossFit workout I remember is "Angie" with Carey Kepler. She and I were still just dabbling in "CrossFit" and training for tri's - we ran 7 miles after the WOD and I ended up with swollen, stiff arms due to dehydration (and 100 band pull ups!). That is when I learned to respect CrossFit WOD's and appreciate the intensity of the programs. I've been hooked ever since.

Favorite WOD/lift:

Grace/ Power Clean

Favorite Zone/Paleo Meal:

2 egg whites, 1 whole egg, olive oil, spinach, mushrooms, and a touch of feta cheese scrambled together with a side of fresh berries.

Although I hear you can ZONE a soy latte with a couple almonds and that sounds pretty good too :)

Favorite cheat meal:

I have a pretty big sweet tooth! So, just add a dessert to a paleo/zone meal and I'll be happy!

I have always wanted to learn to speak Spanish via a few months in South America!

1 word people use to describe me: Magnetic

Outside of the gym I like to hike, camp, water ski, hang out in coffee shops, trail run, visit the mountains!

Lisa and Jeremy were recently married in October!

Something nobody knows about me or would be surprised to know about me: I was home schooled and grew up on a self- sustained farm until 12yrs old. wow!

Favorite place to eat in Austin: Whole Foods - or Zocolo

Song that gets me pumped up for a workout: Tina Turner's "simply the best" - I've been listening to that song for motivation since my junior high volleyball days. The team use to listen to that song before every game from 7th grade all the way thru Senior year in High School.

Proudest accomplishment:overcoming 10 yrs of anerexia/bulimia - Finally finding my physical self and loving it!

Best piece of advice anyone’s ever given you:

"You need to leave and come back when you know what you're talking about" - Dr. Steve Olson, Duke Medical Center, Orthopedic Surgeon.

This was in response to a 'sales call' I made as an inexperienced 23yr old while doing medical device sales in N.C. - It taught me the importance of professionalism, knowledge of product/service, and preparation! It also tested the thickness of my skin :)

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Living in Austin, traveling the US to help conduct seminars/teaching workshops for some combination of fitness, business, and personal development. I will still be active and competitive in CrossFit (even if it's competing with myself!).

Lisa wears many hats at Crossfit Central- she runs two Relentless Bootcamps at Jack & Adam's, is a Lead Coach at our satellite Run-Tex location, heads up the LIVESTRONG corporate wellness program, and leads the Crossfit Central Endurance programs with Carey.

To find out more about Lisa, visit her Blog!