Meet Susan Murphy, Owner of CORE Recovery Lounge & F45 Cinco Ranch + Cane Island
When you first enter Core Recovery Lounge in Katy, the first thing you notice is the inviting energy and community feel. CORE, at its core, is a gathering place for like-minded individuals who prioritize their health and seek a balance of mind, body and spirit.
Owner Susan Murphy and her husband started F45 Cinco Ranch first, 8 years ago, after a friend of theirs from Australia (where F45 originated) suggested they check it out. They were looking for a new business opportunity and F45 was a new concept in the US and they knew people would love it. Susan has a background in Physical Education and always knew she wanted to do something in the fitness space. Her husband, Scott, shares a love of fitness and loves being an entrepreneur. They currently own and operate two F45 locations, Cinco Ranch and Cane Island.
CORE was something that they talked about a lot over the years, as they wanted to extend the scope of their offerings to include physical and mental recovery. They started dreaming of a place where people could gather to connect with one another; where everyone is welcome, and no one is a stranger. The CO of CORE stands for connect and the RE for recover.
What’s cool is, within CORE, there is a small coffee shop called The Happy Cactus Coffee Company, owned and operated by another Katy mom. So you can work out, recover, and enjoy the best coffee and smoothies, all while together in community.
Susan understands the importance of self-care in this fast-paced world and the strong need to connect with one another. CORE provides a cozy atmosphere for fellowship and offers a range of recovery services designed to enhance your overall wellbeing and improve physical recovery.
Their vision is to provide a soothing space that fosters community and connection while promoting overall vitality through recovery and rejuvenation.
We hope you check them out and love the space and their mission as much as we do! Check out our full interview with Susan below.
Where are you from originally and how long have you been in Katy?
I was born and raised in a small town called Corner Brook in Newfoundland, Canada. We moved to Katy 26 years ago.
You’re a mama! Tell us about your kiddos!
I have 2 boys that are in college at Baylor University. Aiden is 22 and will graduate in May. Ryan is 19 and is a sophomore. They are awesome!
Best part of motherhood for you?
Honestly, so many! I loved my babies and look back with nothing but joy and gratitude on my days rocking and nursing them or cheering them on in sports. But seeing them grow into amazing young, Godly men who contribute to others and live with so much enthusiasm for life is my favorite part so far.
Hardest thing in motherhood?
Driving away after college drop off!!
Something people would be surprised to know…
I once slept in a snow hut overnight!
Favorite local things to do in the Katy area for fun?
I play in a few tennis leagues all over Katy and Houston. My husband and I love to play pickleball at Pace Pickleball Club. Obviously we love our F45 studios for a fun workout, followed by CORE Recovery for relaxation and Happy Cactus Coffee for the best Americano and Matcha in town. We also love to unwind at Sonoma Wine Bar.
Best mom hack that’s made your life a little easier…
Giving it to God. As kids grow and things are no longer under our control, I’ve learned to pray and trust God in all circumstances.
OK let’s talk business1 Tell us about your business F45 and CORE and why you decided to jump into it?
F45 Cinco Ranch came first, 8 years ago. A friend of ours from Australia (where F45 originated) suggested we check it out. We were looking for a new business opportunity and F45 was a new concept in the US and we thought people would love it. My background is in Physical Education so I knew I wanted to do something in the fitness space. My husband, Scott, shares a love of fitness and loves being an entrepreneur. We currently own 2 F45 locations, Cinco Ranch and Cane Island.
CORE was something that we talked about a lot over the years. We wanted to extend the scope of what we offer to include physical and mental recovery. We also dreamed of a place where people could gather to connect with one another; where everyone is welcome and no one is a stranger. The CO of CORE stands for connect and the RE for recover.
Within CORE, there is a small coffee shop called The Happy Cactus Coffee Company, owned and operated by another Katy mom.
What are the key differences that set CORE apart in the wellness space?
I think it’s all about the feeling of belonging that we have created at CORE. The recovery services speak for themselves in their benefits but it’s the atmosphere and people that make CORE a special place. It has been so much fun getting to know our community.
When did you launch this location and what’s been the biggest blessing in it all?
We opened CORE in July 2024.
Can you talk about your offerings and the benefits of each?
We offer 4 CORE services.
1.Cold plunge therapy, also known as cold water immersion or cold hydrotherapy, offers several potential benefits, such as:
• Improved Circulation
• Reduced Muscle Inflammation
• Enhanced Recovery
• Increased Alertness and Energy
• Mental Health Benefits
• Boosted Immune System
• Weight Loss
2. Infrared sauna. Using advanced infrared technology, our sauna heats the body directly, providing deep, soothing warmth that promotes detoxification, enhances circulation, and relieves muscle and joint pain. Enjoy improved skin health, reduced stress, and a profound sense of relaxation with each session. Ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating escape and a boost in overall well-being:
• Detoxification
• Stress Reduction and Relaxation
• Enhanced Skin Health
• Pain Relief
• Improved Circulation
3. Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), offers several potential benefits:
• Skin Health
• Pain Relief
• Hair Growth
• Enhanced Recovery
• Reduced Inflammation
• Mental Health
4. Compression therapy with benefits such as:
• Enhanced Circulation
• Quicker Recovery
• Reduced Edema
• Improved Performance
• Management of Venous Disorders
• Decreased Risk of Blood Clots
• Lymphatic System Support
We also have a part-time in house massage therapist and a Fit 3D body scanner.
For moms struggling to prioritize their health and wellness, what advice would you give them?
As moms, we are pulled in a thousand directions and the job never ends. But if you neglect yourself, your health will suffer. It is so important to make yourself a priority.
If you want to be a happy mom who functions well, you have to do the little things to take care of yourself. F45 is great for moms because it’s a quick 45 minutes where you can turn off your brain and get a good sweat going while having a lot of fun! The dopamine release will keep you energized for your family and make you feel amazing! CORE Recovery Lounge is great for moms because it offers an escape from the grind. It is a gift to yourself to relax and rejuvenate so that you are well equipped to handle the demands of motherhood.
What made you want to dive into this field of wellness and what drives your passion for helping others in this space?
Fitness and wellness have always been an important part of my life. I am happier and feel better when I’m active and I absolutely love the community aspect of F45 and CORE. People really come together when they are pushing themselves physically. It is very rewarding to witness the relationships and the results! I have met my best friends through fitness and I know many of our members would say the same.
Future plans and hopes for this business?
To affect positive change in the lives of our members and to make as many people fit, happy and fulfilled as possible.
Biggest blessing in being a business owner?
The biggest blessing for me is the fulfillment that comes from founding a community that promotes fitness, wellness and connection and witnessing the lives that have been changed for the better. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of!
Any Katy mama special discounts we can look out for to try out your business?
Special discount of 25% off your first month (regularly $150) for anyone who mentions Katy Moms Network.
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