Coach Lisa Bender Thiel has over 20 years in the fitness industry and a lifelong thread of competitive and athletic feats – “I ran my first 5k with my mom at age 9 and 20 yrs later to the date I ran a 10k with my mom in Quito!” One can look at Lisa’s career and you will see a string of athletic, academic, and professional success. When she moved to Austin in 2003 she became an avid Sprint and Olympic distance triathlete, and was introduced to CrossFit (and her husband!) in 2007. She has since earned four trips to the Reebok CrossFit Games.

Bender Thiel lives by her mantra “YES, I Can! YES, You Can!” Lisa has fully overcome two eating disorders, earned thrived as a competitive athlete, is happily married to CrossFit Central founder Jeremy Thiel, and is a mother to a 2 and 5 year old! She embodies the “can do” spirit and desires to share this with the community. Lisa has a talent for helping others discover that they can achieve their dreams and overcome any obstacle!

A CrossFit Central coach since 2009, Bender Thiel currently coaches CrossFit Central Downtown’s Women’s Only classes, and enjoys small group and private training. In addition, Bender Thiel hosts Nutrition Workshops for anyone interested in learning the tools she has used over the years to succeed.
Her determination and drive to meet her goals rubs off on everyone who works with Lisa.

Fitness and Athletic Training

Bachelor of Exercise Science Degree from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NCSM-CSCS Certified
Level 1 Certified CrossFit Coach
Certified CrossFit Endurance
CrossFit Mobility and Gymnastics Certified
Underground Strength Coach

Q & A with Coach Lisa

What do you love about CrossFit?
I love the variety that CrossFit offers. I thrive in a team environment and love that CrossFit provides that community in class and beyond. We are truly better together.

Favorite CrossFit movement and/or workout?
Just one!? Muscle Ups, Cleans, Sleds & Dballs

Favorite go to meal?
Peanut butter and…… Just kidding that’s my snack! Go to meal is probably eggs, spinach, mushrooms, sprinkle of breakfast sausage.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not coaching/working?
Of course I enjoy a lot of time with my kiddos but I truly get recharged when I am around other like minded people. I am an extroverted extrovert and love socializing (as long as it’s before 9pm!)

Hype jam?
T-Pain, Ghostland Observatory

Favorite podcast/book/or movie?
Favorites seem to change each year or with each life stage. One of the best books I read this year was The Glass Castle

Favorite quote?
#letsgo