Drop the dumbbells and delve into knowledge where the muscle of CrossFit flexes in prose.
Guides to mastery and tales of grit, this selection of page-turners is your ultimate lift to the raw energy, wisdom, and pulse of the box.
Think you’re up to the WOD of reading the finest in CrossFit literature?
Best CrossFit Books:
- Becoming a Supple Leopard – The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance
- First – What It Takes to Win
- Inside the Box – How CrossFit® Shredded the Rules, Stripped Down the Gym, and Rebuilt My Body
- Unbreakable Runner – Unleash the Power of Strength & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Running Strong
- Learning to Breathe Fire – The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness
- Chasing Excellence – A Story About Building the World’s Fittest Athletes
- Dottir – My Journey to Becoming a Two-Time CrossFit Games Champion
- Embrace the Suck – What I Learned at the Box About Hard Work, (Very) Sore Muscles, and Burpees Before Sunrise
Table of Contents
- #1 Becoming a Supple Leopard – The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance
- #2 First – What It Takes to Win
- #3 Inside the Box – How CrossFit® Shredded the Rules, Stripped Down the Gym, and Rebuilt My Body
- #4 Unbreakable Runner – Unleash the Power of Strength & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Running Strong
- #5 Learning to Breathe Fire – The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness
- #6 Chasing Excellence – A Story About Building the World’s Fittest Athletes
- #7 Dottir – My Journey to Becoming a Two-Time CrossFit Games Champion
- #8 Embrace the Suck – What I Learned at the Box About Hard Work, (Very) Sore Muscles, and Burpees Before Sunrise
- FAQ
#1 Becoming a Supple Leopard – The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance
- ✍️ Author: Kelly Starrett with Glen Cordoza
- 📆 Year Published: 2013
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
Unlock the secrets of movement with “Becoming a Supple Leopard,” the authoritative text on functional movement and mobility. Authored by physical therapist Kelly Starrett, this book is a comprehensive resource for athletes seeking to hone their body’s mechanics to prevent injury and enhance performance.
The book is filled with detailed illustrations and includes step-by-step guidance that is both scientifically grounded and easy to apply. It’s an essential read for anyone involved in CrossFit, from beginners to seasoned competitors, who aim to improve their athletic longevity and capability.
#2 First – What It Takes to Win
- ✍️ Author: Rich Froning with David Thomas
- 📆 Published: 2013
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
Delve into the inspiring life of four-time CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning Jr. in “First – What It Takes to Win.” This autobiography provides an intimate look at the mental and physical dedication required to become the “Fittest Man on Earth.”
Beyond the workouts and nutrition, Froning shares personal stories, including his struggles with faith and finding balance, offering a holistic view of his journey to the top. Readers will draw inspiration and learn the principles that guided one of the greatest competitors in CrossFit history.
#3 Inside the Box – How CrossFit® Shredded the Rules, Stripped Down the Gym, and Rebuilt My Body
- ✍️ Author: T.J. Murphy
- 📆 Year Published: 2012
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
“Inside the Box” is an engaging chronicle by veteran endurance athlete and journalist T.J. Murphy. After reaching a dead end with traditional fitness routines, Murphy immerses himself in the world of CrossFit, discovering a community and training philosophy that revolutionizes his body and outlook on fitness.
This book brilliantly captures the essence of the CrossFit culture, from the grueling workouts to the transformative effects on practitioners’ lives. It’s a captivating and motivational read for anyone who’s ever considered stepping “inside the box.”
#4 Unbreakable Runner – Unleash the Power of Strength & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Running Strong
- ✍️ Author: Brian MacKenzie and T.J. Murphy
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“Unbreakable Runner” shatters the conventional wisdom of long-distance running with CrossFit Endurance founder Brian MacKenzie’s innovative approach. Co-authored with T.J. Murphy, the book introduces runners to a new training paradigm that reduces mileage and emphasizes strength and conditioning.
Aimed at reducing injury and improving performance, this groundbreaking guide will intrigue traditional runners and CrossFitters alike, offering a sustainable approach for those seeking longevity in their running and athletic pursuits.
#5 Learning to Breathe Fire – The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness
- ✍️ Author: J.C. Herz
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: History
“Learning to Breathe Fire” by J.C. Herz is a compelling look into the explosive rise of CrossFit, tracing its roots from a single Santa Cruz gym to a global phenomenon. This book captures the grit and camaraderie that make up the fabric of the community, while also examining the primal essence that fuels the passion for this intense workout regimen.
Herz’s narrative is both an adrenaline-pumping journey and a reflective analysis of how CrossFit is reshaping the cultural attitude towards fitness. A must-read for anyone captivated by the allure and challenge of CrossFit.
#6 Chasing Excellence – A Story About Building the World’s Fittest Athletes
- ✍️ Author: Ben Bergeron
- 📆 Year Published: 2017
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching, Biographies and Autobiographies
In “Chasing Excellence,” coach Ben Bergeron shares his wisdom on crafting elite athletes within the world of CrossFit. This book delves into the methodologies and mindset that Bergeron instills in his trainees to achieve peak performance.
By focusing on character, not just physicality, “Chasing Excellence” provides insights into the psychological components of training and the relentless pursuit of growth, both in the gym and in life. It’s a blueprint for excellence that resonates beyond athletics, making it a source of inspiration for anyone on a quest to reach their full potential.
#7 Dottir – My Journey to Becoming a Two-Time CrossFit Games Champion
- ✍️ Author: Katrin Davidsdottir with Rory McKernan
- 📆 Year Published: 2019
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
Explore the remarkable story of determination and triumph in “Dottir,” penned by Katrin Davidsdottir, a two-time CrossFit Games champion. This autobiography unveils her path to the pinnacle of CrossFit, starting from her early days in gymnastics in Iceland to standing atop the podium in Carson, California.
Davidsdottir’s narrative is a testament to perseverance, detailing the highs and lows of her journey and the unyielding spirit required to come out on top. Both humbling and motivating, this book is a profound testament to what it means to embrace the heart of a champion.
#8 Embrace the Suck – What I Learned at the Box About Hard Work, (Very) Sore Muscles, and Burpees Before Sunrise
- ✍️ Author: Stephen Madden
- 📆 Year Published: 2015
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
In “Embrace the Suck,” former Men’s Health editor Stephen Madden takes us on his personal voyage into the heart of CrossFit. The title—a mantra in the community—reflects the raw, often painful journey to fitness enlightenment.
Madden’s candid recounting of his experience with the culture, the punishing workouts, and the shared pain and pride that comes with each WOD (Workout of the Day) offers an honest and often humorous perspective on what it means to truly commit to CrossFit. It’s for anyone who has ever dared to push past their comfort zone in pursuit of physical and mental resilience.
FAQ
What are the best CrossFit books of all time?
“First: What It Takes to Win” by Rich Froning, “Becoming a Supple Leopard” by Kelly Starrett, “Inside the Box” by T.J. Murphy, “The CrossFit Level 1 Training Guide,” and “Learning to Breathe Fire” by J.C. Herz are the best CrossFit books of all time. These books cover personal narratives, training tips, and the CrossFit lifestyle.
What is the best CrossFit book for adults?
“Chasing Excellence: A Story About Building the World’s Fittest Athletes” by Ben Bergeron is the best CrossFit book for adults, offering insights into mental toughness and performance optimization.
What are the best books for CrossFit fundamentals and strategy?
“The CrossFit Level 1 Training Guide” and “Becoming a Supple Leopard” by Kelly Starrett are the best books for CrossFit fundamentals and strategy, providing authoritative guides for functional fitness and mobility.
