Name: Sam Clapp
Years in CrossFit: 3.5
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Favorite Gymnastics Movement: Toes to Bar
Certificates: CrossFit L1, CrossFit Weightlifting, CF Gymnastics Trainer
How did you get into Crossfit?
The gym at work was closed for an extended period and I wanted to look better naked (well, nearly naked). I had heard about CrossFit but knew absolutely nothing about it. I emailed a couple of boxes in town and Michael responded first! So I started with CFDA and have just kept going since then.
What are some of the benefits you have seen from doing CrossFit?
I have a much better social life and much better social abilities than I used to. I have a methodology now for tackling and accomplishing difficult tasks. I credit CrossFit for my promotion at work, really, because I am simply a calmer and yet more capable person than I used to be. Plus, have you seen my shoulders? I am still not over that!!
What do you love most about CrossFit?
I love the feeling of NOT being the best. There is always something new to learn and something to improve. I also love how each coach and each participant has her or his own perspective on the movements and sometimes you hear that “exactly right” coaching cue that magically makes you better!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting CrossFit?
Don’t be afraid of scaling. There is never any shame in adapting the workout to your present strength and skill level. HOWEVER: also keep track of your progress levels and push yourself a little further every day. Accept where you are but aim for more.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit Downtown Atlanta?
The people. I was never much of a social person even though I really wanted to be. Now, I actually get invited to things! We also have amazing socials.
What are some things you like to do outside of CrossFit?
I love learning languages. I have certificates in German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Irish, and I have studied Russian, Greek, and several others. I also play bass and have some gigs occasionally, and I sing. I love going to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and biking. I love to travel; I’ve been to all 50 states and around 77 countries.
What’s some advice you’d like to give to our members?
Participate! Come to the gym, come to the socials...make friends. Find your peers and compete with them (and trash talk them).
What is your favorite food?
No idea. I hate “favorite” questions.
What is your favorite band or musical artist?
See above.
What is your spirit animal?
Beaver (don’t laugh), because they have an innate drive to fix leaks and issues when they arise.
Where does your passion for fitness and a healthy lifestyle come from?
Who knows; it’s pretty recent !
Why do you coach, what motivates you to teach?
Helping others to improve...in more ways than just the obvious.
What do you think separates a great coach from a good coach, and a good coach from a poor coach?
A great coach thinks about the whole person. A good coach thinks about the movement. A poor coach doesn’t think.
What is a typical day in the life?
Gym, work, maybe gym again.
What is the most rewarding part of coaching?Seeing improvements in athletes...not just physical ones.
What is your favorite movement/benchmark workout and why?
Diane because I am trying to get better at Handstand push ups.
What is your most hated movement/benchmark workout and why?
I hate burpees, but I am always trying to make them better.
What is something most people don’t know about you or something interesting?
Hmmmm.
What type of music do you like to work out to?
Meh. It doesn’t matter.
What is one highlight from your athletic career?
Through daily practice and work, I went from barely having single unders to having consistently good double unders.
Where do you spend your time when you aren’t at the gym?
Work, haha
