After only a few weeks of CrossFit, Sam competed in our 1st members competition; he didn’t let the “beginner” card stop him from challenging himself! He was then chosen as one of the team captains for our intramural open, rallying up members to fitness and have fun together. He’s also participated in a couple of local CrossFit competition on teams. One noteworthy moment was at Beach WOD this past summer, when, despite competing on the last day when everyone was already finished, he never complained and supported his team through all the WODs. As well, he recently competed in our most recent Underground Throwdown, working with others to come up with a creative costume. His team fought hard and were the winners of the Cup Final!
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Sam has recently switched to the 5am crew – talk about dedication – and got his first HSPU! This is a goal that Sam has been working towards for almost 6 months. If anyone is deserving of such an accomplishment, it’s you Sam! Thank you for being such a positive role model in the community for everyone else. We can’t wait to see you continue to grow inside and outside of 6S!
Hello! My name is Sam Pisani. I’m 26 years old. Born Canadian, raised Italian and have lived here in Toronto my entire life. When I’m not working, you’ll find me at a Crossfit 6S class, watching The Mindy Project or dancing outrageously at the concert of whichever Pop star is playing in Toronto that night.
What do you do for a living?
I’ve been a high school teacher for the Toronto District School Board since October of 2015. I teach Drama, Dance and Social Sciences to students in Grades 9-12. I also coach sports teams, run clubs and coordinate committees with the students I teach.
What is one thing people may be surprised to learn about you?
People may be surprised to know that I’ve been working out since I was 14. My Mom used to go to Premiere Fitness when I was in high school, and I’d go after school to workout with her personal trainer. With that being said, I never started working out my legs until I joined CrossFit. Now I think I’ve done enough air squats and wall balls to makeup for that lost decade.
How long have you been doing CrossFit? At CF6S?
Crossfit 6S is the first gym I’ve ever done CrossFit at. I started at 6S in November of 2017 and have been working out regularly with them for one year (minus a couple weeks of vacation). Happy anniversary!
Why did you start CrossFit?
I started CrossFit for a lot of reasons. My boyfriend got me involved with the people in the community, and it just seemed like such a great place to workout. I knew it would seriously put me out of my comfort zone, but I was at a point where I needed that from a gym. Everyone I met there had the body of Zac Efron, while I had the body type of Napoleon Dynamite…..it was time for a change.
My proudest CF moment would have to be pulling off my first handstand push-up a couple weeks ago! I’ve been trying to master that for about 6 months, and I never thought my lanky limbs would do it.
What is your biggest CrossFit goal right now? How close are you?
My biggest Crossfit goal is to get better at lifting heavy weights in general, across all of my movements. I’m getting there – but it’s definitely something that will take some time. I’ve been able to front/back squat fairly heavy weights and I’m ready to make that happen across all of my lifts.
When I’m not working out or at work, you’ll find me at a concert (probably going to one every couple weeks). It’s a really bad habit that I keep saying I’m going to kick – but I doubt that’ll actually happen. There’s just nothing better than seeing live music.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice that I’ve ever been given is “Always put your best foot forward, be honest and respectful.” I never met my grandfather, but my mom taught us this mantra of his from when we were really young and it always just stuck with me.
Who inspires you?
A lot of people inspire me. However, my sister is by far my biggest inspiration. She has Cerebral Palsy and lives everyday with the greatest optimism I’ve ever seen someone have. Ever since I was born I’ve always wanted to be as happy and motivated as she is just to live her everyday life. She reminds me to be thankful for every day, because I’m lucky enough just to be here.
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As a gold star member of the Backstreet Boys club back in 1999, my favourite 90’s jam would have to be “The Call” by the Backstreet Boys (my battery is LOW, SO YA KNOW!)
Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
If I could choose one movie title for the story of my life, it would have to be The Pursuit of Happiness. Corny, I know. But adulthood is slowly teaching me that it’s way better to enjoy everyday instead of complaining about the things you have to do to be accomplished, successful and happy. I was also going to say She’s Out of My League – which I think is pretty self explanatory.
The strangest talent I have is knowing the correct song lyrics to basically every Pop song that’s come out since 1992. I pride myself on knowing them and I will gladly laugh at you whenever you sing them wrong.
What are 3 things still left on your bucket list?
