Elisabeth — Lis Smash to her friends and clients — is a writer and strength coach living in Atlanta, GA. 

In the past Lis wrote for such esteemed publications as the Brandon High School Emblem and Arby's Restaurant Group's internal newsletter, The Dish. Now she writes for her Team Lis Smash website, as well as here at BarBend.

Over the last 10 years in Atlanta, Lis taught boot camp, CrossFit, powerlifting, weightlifting and beginner barbell classes. She’s also the founder and former operating partner of two gyms - CrossFit Midtown and East Atlanta Barbell Club. 

Today, she is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and leads Team Lis Smash, her strength team, from her home garage gym. Lis also coaches the Fantastic Beasts, Atlanta's LGBTQI+ Powerlifting Club, and the Womxn's Barbell Club. 

Lis and her team also host lifting benefits for the strength community. Over the past three years, they donated over $25,000 to Lost-n-Found Youth, Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and City of Refuge. 

Lis competes in powerlifting in the 67.5, 72 and 75 kilogram weight classes. She holds Georgia-state squat records in both the USAPL and USPA. She won a bronze medal at the 2019 USPA Drug Tested Nationals in the 75 kg Submaster class. She also placed 8th in the 72kg Open class at 2013 USAPL Raw Nationals. 

When she’s not working or training in her garage gym, Lis enjoys doing yard work, drinking coffee and basking in the sunshine with her 14-year-old rescue dog Cady.