Meet Sam Schaefer
1- In less than a minute, tell us who you are and why we keep hearing good things about you.
I am a guy who has refused to give up on the possibility that I can be better. In late 2020 I elected to amputate my left foot and ankle in a last chance attempt to get out of the constant nerve pain I lived with for the previous 9 years. In that moment I put my hands firmly on the wheel in my life and things have only gotten better ever since. I am extremely passionate about helping others find the tools to have the same control of their life. I use coaching in multiple facets of the fitness world as my tool to accomplish goals.
2- What inspired you, if any, to join the Warrior Flow 200-Hour Yoga Training’s faculty?
Adrian contacted me and basically told me he was interested in the value we could create together. It didn’t take very long into our first conversation to realize the quality we could create to help others. In life I use a rule of “eff” yes, or it’s a no. This is an eff yes.
3- In simple words, what does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means I have taken care of what was within my control. I believe wellness to be the intersection of our physical capabilities with our physical and mental health.
4- What is the main difference between learning to coach now and when you did?
I have evolved my approach from how do I teach them X, to how do I put them in a position to teach themself.
When I first started coaching, maybe 1 in 5 women who wanted to join actually did. Often it was something along the lines of someone in their life made them afraid of getting “too bulky” or some other misinformed fear. I knew I never wanted my sisters, or future daughters, to feel that way about simply exercising so I worked to make sure I created an environment that would be welcoming to all. I rarely ever hear this now, which makes me feel great that fewer people aren’t afraid of other people’s opinions and now I am seeing way more female coaches. It’s moving a good direction.
5- Who were your role models? And what pushed you to learn and become who you are today?
People in my life who are committed to the very best version of themselves, a little passion doesn’t hurt either. The more I place myself around people like this I continue to find better and better versions of myself. I’ve always been self motivated to push forward, I was a kid who always felt he was capable of far more than what everyone else told me I could and couldn’t do. I never cared to prove anyone wrong, but prove myself right and we are on the path.
6- What were the pivotal roadblocks and challenges you encountered along the way that helped you define your path?
While active duty, I sustained an injury in training that led to a nerve condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS, formerly RSD). This occurred at the age of 21 and I didn’t have a second out of pain until I was almost 31. I went through the darkest of the darkest and was put in a place that I had to answer if I really wanted to be here anymore on a daily basis at times. I chose life, this defined my path.
9- What can we all do right now to make this world a better place?
Listen instead of waiting to talk. Dive into different perspectives, assume they have no reason to not be honest, because you’re willing to be honest right back. Tell me the world doesn’t look pretty different after that? No comparison, just understanding.