Athlete of the Month – Anthony Chiarappa
Anyone that knows this guy appreciates his work ethic and dedication. He is truly a great athlete and one that continues to get better and better. We are so proud to have this guy on our team and around the gym. Thanks for inspiring all of us and leading from the front. Now…this interview will catch you off guard, so make sure you check it out. It’s fantastic. Period. Here he is…the TrAk Athletics Athlete of the Month Anthony Chiarappa.
What have you accomplished in your life that you’re most proud of?
My son, period – at the moment we only have one child so don’t think I am playing favorites.
If you could take 3 months off and do whatever you wanted, what would that time look like?
There would be a lot of relaxing, and a whole lot of nothing. I would make sure to spend time with my sister and her family, as well as my mom. For the most part I wouldn’t plan anything. I would treat it like a summer vacation when I was a kid, and probably regress as a human being, but whatever.
How did you feel before you found TrAk?
Stagnant, and dumpy – haha. Honestly, I did enjoy the gym I was at previously, but I was there for over 6 years, and at that point I noticed I would have weeks that I would just be going through the motions.
How do you feel now?
Like I am a high school athlete again!
How has TrAk changed your everyday life?
Like I previously mentioned, I feel like I am in high school again. Even though there are days that totally kick my butt, I love getting up and going every morning. The coaches and all the members do an awesome job of keeping the place exciting. It never feels like the same thing over and over.
Goals…personal, professional, family?
Personal – Continue to take care of myself so I can be around for my family. Personal and family goals are pretty much the same for me… Professional – Continue to grow and have success. Family – Be a great father and husband. Make sure my family never goes without – that IS the most important thing in the world to me.
If you were in a band what existing band/group do you see yourself in?
Backup vocalist for Taylor Swift. I have a personalized autographed photo from her at her first concert at Blossom. So yeah, we are pretty tight.
Best place to travel that you’ve ever been?
I loved going to Aruba. There is a constant breeze, and you never feel overheated there. There is no better vacation than being able to just sit your butt down on the beach and just stare at the crystal blue water.
What do your kids remind you that’s ok to do?
Run around and show everyone my belly, and poke theirs. No, but seriously, having a child really makes you aware of what is important. If anything, my son has helped me with my anxiety, because I know at the end of a stressful day I get to go home and see him. It does not get better than that.
What personal failure has helped lead to your ultimate success?
Not mine, but watching someone close to me continue to make poor decision after poor decision which kind of set the blue print of what not to do in life.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen in the gym?
I don’t really care what anyone else can lift, or how strong anyone else is. What I find to be crazy is the atmosphere at TrAk. I have seen more people come than go since I have been there. The people there truly want to be there, and the coaches genuinely care about the members which make it more enjoyable to be a part of. Everyone is welcome at TrAk, and I don’t think anyone feels out of place. Fitness is a hard thing to commit to the older you get, and when you find a gym like TrAk that puts an emphasis on life outside of the gym it makes it easier to stick with.
What three people [living or dead] would you go camping with next weekend?
I am going to have to cheat here… My son, my sister, her daughter, and my grandpa. My grandpa was killed back in 2001, and I know it would mean the world to my sister and I for our kids to meet their great grandpa. That would be incredible.
Which sport/activity would you love to do, but are afraid to?
Deep sea diving. I am petrified of deep water.
Funniest things you’ve seen your kid do?
Everything he does makes me laugh, in all honesty though he is 17 months old, but he toots like a grown man – I am a child so I find that hysterical.
Favorite movie?
Jaws, The Bond movies, and the Harry Potter movies.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You don’t need talent to have a good work ethic, show up on time, and have a good attitude.
At what age were you in the best shape of your life?
I would like to say now, but I think my 18 year old self could still beat me down.
Words to live by or favorite quote?
I believe it was Nelly who once said, “if hard work pays off, easy work is worthless”.
What adventure do you plan to have in the future?
There is an excursion in California where you go cage diving, and you are guaranteed to be in the water with Great Whites. That is on my bucket list.
Favorite book and why?
The Harry Potter series. I do not believe any explanation is necessary.
Something interesting we don’t know about you?
I use women’s deodorant.
What do you like most about being apart of the TrAk Family?
I love the atmosphere and that every day I am there I am pushed to be better than the day before.
Biggest accomplishment at the gym?
Still working on it.
