HOUSTON, TX

Lauren Murphy is a co owner and instructor at Deep End Fitness Houston. She is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a former professional MMA athlete. She is a certified Red Cross Lifeguard and Senior Instructor for Deep End Fitness.

In response to rising drowning rates and a widening gap in foundational swim skills for both adults and children, Lauren is committed to teaching practical water safety and survival skills in Houston and beyond. Drawing from her background in martial arts, she combines breathwork, movement, and progressive water training to help individuals build true competence and confidence in the water.

A retired UFC fighter, Lauren spent two decades training and competing alongside some of the world’s top combat athletes. That experience of performing under pressure at the highest levels now informs her approach as an instructor. Through the F.R.E.E. methodology, she helps athletes and high performers develop both mental resilience and physical capability. Lauren is passionate about the transformative impact deep water training has on confidence, fitness, and overall well-being.  

Steven Smith is a co owner and instructor at Deep End Fitness Houston. He is an 11-year Reconnaissance Marine veteran who spent over a decade as a Dive School instructor, training elite military personnel from the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. A passionate coach and athlete, Steven holds a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification and a Deep End Fitness Instructor Certification, as well as a USA Weightlifting Level 1 certification and has been training, coaching, and competing in both weightlifting and CrossFit for over 10 years. His love for the water extends beyond training; he’s an avid diver and spearfisherman who thrives in challenging aquatic environments. Committed to pushing limits and fostering resilience, he brings a wealth of experience and a results-driven approach to Deep End Fitness.