In this Spartan Fit franchise, we sit down with our Spartan FIT Coaches to get their best fitness advice and discover what makes them tick. Next up: Chelsea Potter—her approach is equal parts art and science. 

Spartan FIT Master Coach Chelsea Potter grew up competing in gymnastics in her Oklahoma hometown. After cheerleading for the University of Oklahoma she took off for New York City—and launched her fitness career. The 31-year-old infuses her gymnastics and cheer background into her current style of training that is now also influenced by CrossFit and Spartan. And she continues to let her approach evolve: “With the pandemic, I was no longer able to work out in a gym that had accessibility to anything I wanted and all the weight I could ever need,” she says. So, she began challenging herself instead to learn new movements and increase time under tension.  

Related: Spartan FIT Coach Q&A: Lala Duncan Will Make You Stronger Than You Ever Thought Possible

You can try Chelsea’s creative and effective workouts for yourself on the Spartan Fit app. But first, get to know her more here: 

Q&A with Fitness Coach Chelsea Potter

On Training, Performance & Fitness Philosophy

SPARTAN RACE: What’s your training philosophy?

CHELSEA POTTER: l like to incorporate my knowledge in different backgrounds and blend them together for varied workouts that are challenging for the most beginner to the most advanced athletes.

SR: What about when it comes to nutrition?

CP: I try to stick to whole, grain-free, and dairy-free foods (dairy-free because my body doesn't react well to it). I rarely drink alcohol and I try to get my water intake (half my total bodyweight in ounces) in each day.

Related: The 8 Spartan Rules for Performance Hydration

SR: What inspires you?

CP: The hard work and consistency my clients put into each session.

SR: If there was one thing you could change about the fitness industry, what would it be?

CP: The belief of what fit looks like. "Fit" doesn't have a shape and it’s not one-size-fits-all.  

On The Mental Game & Recovery

SR: How do you work on your mental fitness?

CP: Setting goals, and working towards and achieving something, helps my mental fitness.  

SR: What does a recovery day look like for you?

CP: A recovery day for me is generally mobility and a low-intensity run, row, ski, or bike.

Related: Spartan FIT Coach Q&A: Evan Betts Will Help You Perform At Your Highest Level

SR: What does being Spartan FIT mean to you?

CP: If you're considered Spartan FIT, this means you show true GRIT, that you push through to the end regardless of how hard it is in the moment. You don't quit. You show up, you give it all you've got, and you end it stronger than you started it.