Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Lopez
Hi Tina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my fitness career 20 years ago after moving to California. Shortly after joining a local health club, I earned my first certification in Group Kick, followed soon by Aqua Fitness. During this period, I became pregnant with my second child and relocated to the Midwest, where my fitness journey truly accelerated. I pursued every available group training and certification, eventually earning my AFAA personal trainer certification. I instructed a variety of classes—from bootcamp to yoga—on a daily basis, working with adults across multiple facilities.
In 2015, I moved to Frisco and began working at Texas Family Fitness. When the opportunity arose to join Cowboys Fit, a new fitness club, I embraced it eagerly. At Cowboys Fit, I led several fitness formats and spearheaded the Aqua Fitness programs while also serving as the lead instructor at Texas Ford Aquatics.
My passion for growth led me to Row House in 2019, where I was part of the team that opened the first franchise in the country. I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors, especially water, and in 2016, I discovered DFW Surf. After my first women’s paddleboarding class, I was hooked. The following spring, I accepted a coaching role, leading yoga and Women’s Wednesday paddleboarding classes. Over the past nine years, I’ve grown with the club, and now, as Club Lead, I coordinate all special events, retreats, classes, and social activities.
In addition to my work with DFW Surf, I run my own company, Healthy Life Phases. As a certified Health and Life coach, I support individuals in achieving physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. I also facilitate an 8-week program, The Clarity Catalyst, which helps participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, build emotional intelligence, and create boundaries for work-life balance.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly. Being an entrepreneur, especially when growing a multifaceted business, comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been balancing the different facets of my work—running a business, coaching clients physically, mentally, and spiritually, and continuously expanding my skill set. Each of these requires a significant amount of time, energy, and focus, and managing it all can be overwhelming at times.
Physical fatigue is an ever-present challenge in the fitness world. Teaching classes, leading outdoor activities, and constantly staying active to serve my clients can take a toll on the body. I’ve had to learn to prioritize self-care and recovery to avoid burnout.
Mental fatigue has been another major struggle. The demands of running a business, from managing schedules and clients to staying on top of certifications and new trends in the fitness and coaching industries, can be exhausting. On top of that, navigating the emotional aspects of coaching clients through their personal challenges requires a lot of mental and emotional energy.
There have been times when I’ve felt stretched thin, especially as I try to grow my business while staying connected to my own passions and personal goals. But through these struggles, I’ve learned to set boundaries, ask for help when needed, and maintain a strong sense of purpose. These challenges have made me more resilient and helped me grow not just as a coach but also as a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m incredibly proud of my ability to create meaningful connections and help people live more active, joy-filled lives. One of my biggest achievements has been the growth of my women’s paddleboarding group. Over the years, I’ve nurtured this community into a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space where women can not only challenge themselves physically but also build deep, lasting friendships. This group has become more than just a fitness activity—it’s a supportive community where everyone feels they belong.
My focus is on helping people prioritize self-care and rediscover the fun in life. So many of us are conditioned to stay busy and constantly strive for the next goal, leaving little room for enjoyment or relaxation. Through my coaching and community events, I encourage people to slow down, create healthy habits, and infuse their days with more joy and playfulness.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to wellness. I don’t just focus on physical fitness; I also guide my clients in developing emotional and mental resilience. By emphasizing work-life balance, mindfulness, and play, I help people reconnect with themselves and their passions. This combination of physical activity, mental clarity, and emotional well-being is what drives lasting transformation.
I’m especially proud of the sense of community I’ve built. Whether it’s on the water during a paddleboarding session or in one of my coaching programs, I’ve created spaces where people can relax, have fun, and let go of life’s stresses. In a world where people are often overwhelmed with the pressure to always be “productive,” my work serves as a reminder that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting out is to find what you’re truly passionate about. When you love the work you do, it gives you the drive and resilience to overcome the inevitable challenges that come with being an entrepreneur. Your passion will be the fuel that keeps you going, especially on the tough days when things don’t go as planned.
That said, being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy. There are times when the road can feel daunting—whether it’s balancing finances, marketing your business, or simply finding the right direction. What I wish I had known earlier is that it’s okay to not have everything figured out at once. The entrepreneurial journey is full of learning curves, and success often comes from embracing those challenges and being adaptable.
Another key piece of advice: don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s tempting to think that you need to do it all on your own, but building a support network—whether it’s mentors, peers, or even a community of like-minded individuals—can make all the difference. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, and don’t be afraid to lean on them when things get tough.
Also, be prepared for the reality that there will be moments of doubt. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are common in the beginning stages. But trust that if you stay true to your passion, continue learning, and keep pushing forward, you will build something meaningful and rewarding.
Lastly, remember to enjoy the process. Entrepreneurship is not just about the end goal or achieving success—it’s about the journey. Take time to celebrate your wins, both big and small, and allow yourself moments to reflect on how far you’ve come. Building a business based on your passion is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, and while it may be challenging, the rewards are well worth it.
Pricing:
- Health & Life Coaching 12 weeks $3000
- The Clarity Catalyst 8week course $750
- The Corporate Culture Catalyst 8 week course $750pp
- *All prices are negotiable per person or group pricing
- DFW surf pricing listed on website for all classes and events
Contact Info:
- Website: www.healthylifephases.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterwoman1972/ and https://www.instagram.com/healthylifephases/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.h.lopez/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tina-lopez-802612626
- Other: https://dfwsurf.com/
