Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Fisher.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started CrossFit back in 2008. At the time, I was just in high school, looking for an extra strength and conditioning program to help me reach my dream of playing in the WNBA. My two older brothers were already into CrossFit and told me they were going to train with Vince Carter. Naturally being the little sister I was naive and I thought it was Vince Carter, the basketball player, and decided to tag along. When I got to my first class, it wasn’t the Vince Carter I expected, but I was immediately hooked by the intensity of the workout.
I loved how CrossFit allowed me to compete—not only against others, but against myself and the clock. It was about coming in every day and getting stronger, physically and mentally. I could prove that I could be just as strong as one one of the boys and I also loved beating them in workouts. That was what drew me in even deeper.
As I got deeper into it at CrossFit 209, one of the other coaches, Gabe Subry, saw something in me. He told me he could see me competing at the CrossFit Games, and that sparked something. I didn’t even know what the Games were at the time, but as soon as I learned about the competition to find the fittest on earth, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.
In 2012, I competed in my first regionals competing against girls who I had looked up to. A year later, in 2013, I moved to San Diego for college and started training at CrossFit Invictus. That’s where my CrossFit journey really took off. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of competing at the CrossFit Games nine times, 4 times as an individual and 5 times on a team. My best finish as an individual was 9th in 2014 and on a team, I placed 3rd in 2019.
Along the way, I founded Grown Strong, an online community created to empower women in all aspects of life, both inside and outside the gym. It’s been amazing to see that grow and evolve. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel the world, hosting fitness retreats and connecting with people from all walks of life. I also met my husband through competing and we competed together for a few years on a team, the one that placed 3rd in 2019.
It’s funny to think that it all started because I wanted to get stronger for basketball. That one decision to try CrossFit opened doors I never could’ve imagined, and it’s been an incredible journey since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Being an athlete means accepting that there will be setbacks—both physical and mental. Over the years, I’ve faced my share of serious injuries, from an ankle surgery to an elbow surgery that left me questioning whether I’d ever return to full strength. Every time I faced an injury, it wasn’t just about rehabbing my body—it was about rebuilding my mindset and finding the will to keep pushing forward.
But nothing prepared me for the challenge of losing my mom to cancer this past year. When she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer back in 2021, my entire focus shifted. Competing became secondary, and I just wanted to be by her side. She was my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to keep chasing my dreams, even when she was going through the hardest battle of her life.
That strength she showed is what pushed me to continue, even when I wasn’t sure I could. Injuries and setbacks are tough, but losing my mom made me realize how important it is to stay grounded in the things that matter most. The journey isn’t just about physical strength, but about resilience in the face of life’s toughest moments. It’s about finding a way to keep going when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
Through it all, I’ve learned that the road will never be smooth. But the challenges have taught me how to stay strong—both as an athlete and as a person. My mom’s strength is what keeps me moving forward, no matter what comes next. It’s about fighting even when the odds are stacked against you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional CrossFit athlete, and through this journey, I was able to launch my own business, Grown Strong, back in 2014. What started as an apparel company has grown into something much more—a fitness program and community that empowers women to become stronger in every aspect of life, whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. One of the things I’m most proud of is how Grown Strong has evolved into a space where women from all over the world can find strength, no matter where they are or what resources they have.
What really sets us apart is the community we’ve built. We celebrate both the wins and the struggles, and we’re there for each other through everything. It’s more than just a fitness program—it’s a supportive network of like-minded individuals striving to live a healthy, adventurous, and purpose-driven life.
From Grown Strong, my husband and I also launched Grown Strong Retreats, where we travel the world hosting fitness retreats. We explore amazing destinations, enjoy good food, work out together, and embrace the idea that fitness is a core part of how we feel and how we live. We have upcoming retreats in Bali, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Cape Town, and we love that these experiences allow us to connect with people in a deeper way.
Ultimately, Grown Strong is more than just a fitness community—it’s a movement. We’re here to help people grow stronger in all areas of life, and to live fully, both physically and mentally. When you join the Grown Strong family, you become part of something bigger—a group of people all pushing each other to be their best selves.
What does success mean to you?
Defining success is a tough one because it can mean so many different things to different people. For me, success isn’t about trophies, medals, or external achievements. Sure, those are great, but they’re not the true measure of success in my eyes.
To me, success is about knowing that you gave everything you had. Whether it’s in a competition, in business, or in life, if you can look back and honestly say that you put in all the work, gave it your full effort, and did everything in your power to become the best version of yourself—that’s success. It’s not about the outcome, but the process and the dedication you bring to it.
Sometimes, you come up short. You might not win or reach the exact goal you had in mind, but if you can walk away knowing that you gave it your all, that’s when you’ve truly succeeded. It’s that relentless effort, that commitment to doing your best, that defines success for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauren-fisher.com/
- Instagram: @laurenfisher
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltfisher12/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltfisher12/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lauren_fisher
- Grown Strong: https://grownstrong.com/
- Grown Strong Retreats: https://retreats.grownstrong.com/
