The 6 Best Books About CrossFit For 2023

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. 

I started leaving my regular gym routine for CrossFit at the start of the year as I wanted to achieve a single pull-up.

It’s not just a high-intensity workout, but it encompasses all types of exercises and physical activities designed to increase overall strength and conditioning. 

Not only does it have physical benefits, like increased muscle tone and improved cardiovascular health, but it also has mental benefits too – giving you a sense of achievement no matter how small or large the success may be! 

If you’re interested in learning more about CrossFit, I’ve gathered the best CrossFit books based on recommendations from fitness experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings, so you can further your reading about the sport.

But first…


What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is an intense full-body workout designed for those looking to take their fitness to the next level. 

It involves workouts that blend elements of gymnastics, weightlifting, and endurance training – there’s definitely something for everyone! 

You will be rewarded with increased strength and coordination, improved cardiovascular health, and better sleep quality when following a Crossfit program. 

The best part? People of all ages and all backgrounds can benefit from the CrossFit approach. 

If you’re someone who has tried, or is interested in trying CrossFit but needs a little more information about it, then you will find books about CrossFit to be a great help.

They can share the best practices, benefits, and techniques for making the most of your CrossFit workouts.


The Best Books About CrossFit

So without further ado, here are the best CrossFit books for any level – whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing it a while, there’s something for everyone on this list.

1. Dottir: My Journey to Becoming a Two-Time CrossFit Games Champion – Katrin Davidsdottir

Recommended by Caroline Grainger, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer at FitnessTrainer Personal Trainer Certification

For people who tend to see CrossFit as a trend for gym bros rather than an honest approach to fitness, I recommend books that focus on CrossFit from the perspective of people who have made it a big part of their life. 

One title I really love in this genre is Dottir: My Journey to Becoming a Two-Time CrossFit Games Champion by Katrin Davidsdottir.

While it’s not a great practical guide to CrossFit, it’s a great, inspiring personal story that can help you get started in the sport and entertain you at the same time.


2. Constructing The CrossFit Games – Dave Castro

Recommended by Chris Looney, CEO at SporesMD

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the sport of CrossFit, including its history, training and competition, and profiles of top athletes. 

It’s an excellent resource for beginners and seasoned CrossFit enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the sport. 

Additionally, the book is filled with stunning photos and insights from CrossFit Games Director Dave Castro, making it a great addition to any fitness enthusiast’s library

View it on:


3. Becoming a Supple Leopard – Dr. Kelly Starrett

Recommended by Bishnu Pada Das, a Certified Fitness Trainer at CrazyAthlete.com for Intermediate CrossFitters

It is a comprehensive guide to improving mobility and preventing injuries in CrossFit and other high-intensity sports.

It covers a wide range of topics, including proper form and technique for exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses, as well as mobility exercises to improve range of motion and prevent injuries.

This book also includes programming and recovery tips, making it a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to improve their CrossFit performance.

It is considered one of the best resources for learning proper form and technique in various exercises. It is a must-read for any CrossFit enthusiast, athlete, or coach.


4. The CrossFit Beginner’s Guide: The First Step to a Stronger, Leaner, Healthier You – Greg Glassman and Lauren Glassman

Recommended by Hannah Shine, Diploma Of Nutrition & AFA Certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach & Manager at HourglassWaist.com.au

The best CrossFit book for beginners is “The CrossFit Beginner’s Guide: The First Step to a Stronger, Leaner, Healthier You” by Greg Glassman and Lauren Glassman. 

This book is an excellent resource for anyone new to CrossFit, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the program and its philosophy. 

The book covers everything from the basic movements and exercises to the nutritional principles behind CrossFit. It also includes a detailed workout plan to help readers get on the right foot.

The book is written in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels. 

It is also filled with helpful tips and tricks to make the transition to CrossFit as smooth as possible. 

Overall, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in starting CrossFit and is looking for a comprehensive guide to help them get started.


5. Ignite the Fire – Jonathan Goodman

Recommended by Valeria, Founder at Beautydiets.com

There are a lot of articles and books out there about CrossFit, but as an expert, I still have so much to learn about coaching CrossFit through reading books based on real experiences. 

My aim in reading is to understand my athletes’ minds, interests, fears, and doubts so I can better help them become the person they want to be. 

Ignite the Fire by Jonathan Goodman is one of the notable books I have read on the mindset of a personal trainer; it helps me become much better in my craft as a coach. 

This book will tell you everything about how to become effective in the business of Fitness training. 

The author provided the readers the simple-to-understand and practical strategies proven to help your niche, how to become the best trainer, and how to have a line-up of clients. 

View it on:


6. First: What It Takes to Win – Rich Froning

Recommended by Jesse Feder, a personal trainer, Registered Dietitian, and contributor to healthcanal.com

As a personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and someone that did CrossFit for years, my absolute favorite CrossFit book is First: What It Takes to Win by Rich Froning. 

I recommend this book for any fitness level, and anyone getting into CrossFit or is already a seasoned veteran. It is an easy read and is suited for all reading levels. 

The biggest reason I liked this book is that it did not only go over Rich Froning’s life but went into training tips, spirituality, motivational techniques, and how to tackle difficult situations head-on. 

It really hit many important parts of what it takes to overcome challenges in not only CrossFit but in life itself. 

View it on:


Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest!

books about crossfit

Final Word on Books About CrossFit

So there you have it, those are the best books about CrossFit that were recommended to me by fitness professionals. 

As you can see, there are a lot of Greg Glassman books being recommended here, so it seems that if you’re ever unsure where to start, check out his work.

Of course, there are many other books I could not add to this list today. If you can think of more inspiring and informative CrossFit books, let me know in the comments!

Want more fitness recommendations? Check out these other resources:

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you.

Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Louisa

Headshot of Louisa

About Louisa

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the founder, editor, and head honcho of Epic Book Society. Once a published poet at the age of 7, she aspired to become a journalist, but that career hit a wall so here she is writing about books instead. When she's not writing about books, she's teaching English to primary school kids around the world.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.