Robert Draper

Robert’s CrossFit journey began in 2006, shortly after he joined the Army. Drawn to the functional fitness that mirrored military demands and the camaraderie that echoed the esprit de corps of his units, CrossFit quickly became more than just a workout. It became a lifestyle. With nearly two decades of experience, Robert jokes that he’s a “CrossFit dinosaur,” but his passion for the sport hasn’t faded one bit.
He started coaching in 2016, bringing with him a decade of military experience in physical training, nutrition, and biomechanics. Now CF-L1 certified, Robert’s approach blends intensity with intelligence prioritizing safe movement, mental toughness, and long-term resilience. Whether he's coaching seasoned athletes or someone stepping into the gym for the first time, Robert thrives on helping people surprise themselves with what they’re capable of.
A self-proclaimed “elder statesman” of CrossFit SERVE, Robert is known for his steady presence, relentless warm-ups (mini bands are non-negotiable), and his ability to connect with athletes from all walks of life. He believes true strength comes from syncing the mind and body and, that sometimes all it takes is telling yourself, “one more rep.”
Robert’s favorite workouts are calisthenics-based, with Cindy holding a special place in his heart thanks to years of Army push-ups. Deadlifts, on the other hand, come with a warm-up, a warning, and a recovery plan. His favorite quote, from Jack London, sums it up well: “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.”
Outside the gym, Robert’s path has taken some unique turns from running a camel-leasing project in Somalia to dreaming of off-grid adventures through Newfoundland or South America. To him, CrossFit SERVE feels like a family BBQ where no one cares what you lift or wear, just that you show up, give your best, and belong.