When Laura Facio-Kelley is in the room – you’ll know. She’ll be the one introducing herself to you with a smile and a story. We tapped Laura for this month’s Member Spotlight, and per the usual she only had honest, wonderful, and encouraging things to say!

Q: How long have you been a member at Renew? What brought you to us? 

A: I used to CrossFit back in the OG years ( 2011-2016) when you’d RX or bust… and then  I hurt my shoulder and took a long pause from weights. After a while though,  I returned to Crossfit in San Antonio. I missed it! 

I moved to Austin in 2019 and after trying a few boxes and various gyms, I became a member of Renew in May 2022.  What hooked me was the overall vibe – Renew is amazing! From the initial interview with Becky,  to the intro classes, to Sadie coaching while she was pregnant. Everything was so impressive and everyone was super friendly.  I am so impressed by Renew’s approach to overall nutrition and fitness for all levels! 

Q: What aspect of CrossFit do you love the most? 

A: I love CrossFit for so many reasons but the best part for me is the bond that forms with other members. It’s something else when you’re performing tough movements and all your classmates are cheering you and each other on to finish a WOD! My close second is the coaching, and re-learning proper form. Not only do I mitigate getting hurt, but the coaching has helped me to increase weights and progress on movements I didn’t think I could do!

Q: What’s something you’re working toward — either in or out of the gym? 

A: Nutrition has been a challenge for me. As I’ve gotten older, I’m learning how to eat for the right reasons – for nourishment, to stay healthy and for a better gym performance.  There is so much information out there regarding what to eat and when to eat it, which is overwhelming for me, so joining the Nutrition Challenge was a no brainer..  I’ve never participated in one of those challenges because I thought I could just figure it out, but I’m enjoying the accountability and of course the friendly competition motivates me too! 

Q: What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten? (Or best restaurant if that’s easier to narrow down, ha!)

A: I am a self-proclaimed foodie and Austin is so fun for that.  I had to think about this one because I truly love to eat everything! I narrowed it down to what I gravitate to anytime my husband asks what I’m in the mood for.   I’m originally from Mexico and can appreciate a delicious homemade corn tortilla – it can literally be filled with anything but always topped with fresh avocado and homemade salsa. 

Q: What’s your life motto? 

A: Keep it simple and stay humble.  In my 30’s it was easy to become a workaholic and not have a balanced life, so I felt stretched in so many directions.  I turned 48 last week and my 40’s have taught me to pause and keep life simple by setting boundaries and taking care of me.  My parents always taught us to stay humble and be kind to others, which was another reason I was so drawn to Renew – two of their values are “work hard, stay humble” and “be a good human,” so our values align really well!

We couldn’t not follow up with Laura about her high tortilla standards and she declared Taco Flats, Grizzeldas, Nixta Taqueria, Lichas, and Granny’s Tacos had the best house-made corn tortilla in Austin. You heard it here first! Laura, you’re a bright, cheery light to the 5:30am and we are SO glad you’re a part of the Renew Crew!

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Jealous of how cool our members are? You, too, can be this cool. Come join us! Book a free No Sweat Intro and talk to a coach about membership options. Whether it’s Personal Training, Group Classes, Nutrition Coaching, or Pregnant or Postpartum training – we’ve got whatchya need (and whatchya want). Book here: crossfitrenew.com/no-sweat-intro