Our Crew

The Only Crew You Need

Total Row has the best crew in Atlanta, and we are not afraid to say it! Instead of trainers more concerned with generating sale dollars, yelling in your face as “motivation”, or finding pictures for their Instagram page, our crew at TR is trained to put you and your fitness goals first. Our job is to help you be the best version of yourself, whatever that is, and we won’t stop until we get you there. From top to bottom, or bow to stern, this is the “Only Crew You Need!”
Elliott Smith Co-Founder and Owner Seat on Boat: Stroke Elliott’s love of fitness and athletics started early. From high school basketball, to Division 1 cross-country and track, to an Ironman, he simply can’t get enough. Elliott’s passion for rowing came after a ski incident took him away from running for nearly 6 months, and rowing became the only suitable alternative. He started Total Row with the desire to spread the word of rowing’s benefits, both for the seasoned athlete as well as fitness rookie. Place of Birth: Mobile, AL Favorite non-Rowing Exercise: Snow Skiing Favorite Rowing Aspect: The ability to get a complete workout in such a short period
Lauren Smith Co-Founder and Owner Seat on Boat: Coxswain Although a good high school athlete, Lauren’s passion for exercise and fitness came later in life. She first found distance running in college, and after completing a number of 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons, was looking for more. Finally convinced by Elliott to give rowing a shot, she was immediately hooked, and now counts it as her go-to workout. Lauren started Total Row with the belief that high-quality workouts should be available to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Place of Birth: Marietta, GA Favorite non-Rowing Exercise: Snow Skiing Favorite Rowing Aspect: It’s a fun and effective way to keep in shape
Katie Ashwell Manager / Studio Director Seat on Boat: Bow Katie seems to have been destined for fitness success since birth. She has already been a Division 1 athlete, earned a degree in Exercise Science, and is now the Manager and Program Director for TR. She has been working in the fitness industry for 6 years. With a specialty in nutrition, and a passion for lifelong wellness, Katie is the full package to lead the crew here at TR. For any questions or concerns on your workout, or just generally in regards to winning in life, Katie is your one-stop-shop. Place of Birth: Marietta, GA Favorite non-Rowing Exercise: Weight Lifting Favorite Rowing Aspect: It’s cardio without the running!
Emily Willard Instructor Seat on Boat: Engine Room Emily’s diverse athletic background began on the soccer field, where she starred as a midfielder. After a successful soccer career and college intramural soccer, basketball, and football games, Emily traded in her cleats and shin guards for a bedazzled swim suit and high heels. An avid weightlifter and gym-goer, Emily competed in her first bodybuilding show at Music City Muscle in Nashville, Tennessee in 2015. Emily was first introduced to rowing by her sister and brother-in-law, Lauren and Elliott (co-owners of Total Row). She loves the low-impact exercise of rowing because of her scoliosis diagnosis in her lower back. Place of Birth: Marietta, GA Favorite non-Rowing Exercise: Weight Lifting Favorite Rowing Aspect: Less pressure on my back and knees!
Sydney Sutton Instructor Seat on Boat: Engine Room Sydney’s love of rowing developed while on the crew club at The University of Alabama. Rowing isn’t just any other sport for Sydney. She enjoys the true test of skill, power, endurance, concentration, and grit rowing presents. When she’s not rowing, doing the latest WOD at CrossFit, or training for a half marathon, you can find her exploring the outdoors! Place of Birth: Clarkesville, GA Favorite non-Rowing Exercise: Olympic Weightlifting. It’s very technical much like rowing. Favorite Rowing Aspect: It’s a true test of skill, power, endurance, concentration, and grit.