Andrew Schafter

Full Name: Andrew Schafter

Preferred Name or Nickname: Drew

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How long have you been coaching?

2.5 years

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How long have you been doing CrossFit, weightlifting, or other types of training? What other types.

14 Years

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How did you first get started with fitness or CrossFit?
I was introduced to it by a friend in the summer of 2012. I joined my first affiliate later that same year.

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What made you decide to become a coach?
Over the many years I have spent in the Crossfit ecosystem, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge. Coaching presents the most ideal way for me to share it with others.

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What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Working with people as they strive for and reach milestones in their personal fitness.

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What is your favorite movement to teach?
The movement I enjoy teaching most also happens to be my favorite lift...the snatch.

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How would you describe your coaching style?
My coaching style tends to be more direct and technical, which is likely tied directly to my career teaching experiences.

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What can members expect when they take one of your classes?
Expect that I will do my best to help you move better and understand the "why" behind optimal movement.

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What is the most important thing you want athletes to learn from you?
A journey implies a final destination. Fitness has no FINAL destination. It has milestones that are achieved through repetition. Make fitness a habit and it will change your life.

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What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is nervous about starting CrossFit?
As someone who has been a member of 9 affiliates across 4 countries, experiences may vary. Seek a CrossFit affiliate with a strong coaching staff and community (like our affiliate). The importance of this cannot be understated.

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What is a common mistake you see athletes make, and how do you help them improve it?
Athletes often find themselves compelled to move quickly for the sake of increasing intensity. Your fitness will benefit to a much greater degree with optimal movement, first and foremost. Assisting members in achieving balance is one my top priorities as a coach.

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What is your favorite lift or movement?
The snatch in all its forms (power, squat, split).

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What is your least favorite lift, movement, or workout?
Everyone sleeps on how technical the sumo deadlift high pull is. This is easily my least favorite due to how suboptimal I am at the movement.

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What is your favorite CrossFit workout, benchmark workout, or type of workout?
The CrossFit milestone workout Isabel is easily my favorite.

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What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
Fourteen years of consistent attendance to 4-5 CrossFit classes a week.

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What fitness goal are you currently working toward?
Flirting with the idea of training for a half-marathon. Running has never been something I enjoyed or considered myself to be proficient at.

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What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the gym?
I spend most of my free time with my 6 year-old son, Aiden.

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What is your favorite food, restaurant, music, and movie?
Depends on what day of the week it is.

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How long have you been part of Train Harder CrossFit?
I've been a member here for almost 4 years.

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What do you like most about the Train Harder community?
The way Train Harder CrossFit does the CrossFit Open every year is probably one of the best I've seen.

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Why should someone come take one of your classes?
I have something to offer everyone, regardless of your fitness level or experience.

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