Whilst it’s true to say that Crossfit is now a global movement with many popular personalities involved, those of us who were there in the early days still look towards Greg Glassman for inspiration.
Greg, a former gymnast and long term trainer, uniquely, changed the face of fitness forever. It is rare that you come across simple truths in a world where people hide behind specialism and make things complex (and charge for it).
When I did my first certification back in 2005, I sat transfixed, and for the first time in my life didn’t ask a question: I simply wrote list after list of things to do. I’m a troublesome trainee and often challenge trainers and so called experts. Greg was the one person who didn’t attempt to muddle or confuse his audience, and simply came up with solution after solution. This was one of the rare times in my life that I had come across a real expert.
And, you know, he stands the test of time. I’m not a mindless follower, and after my level one, I took a few years of gymnastic lessons, passed my BWLA course, went to university to study Sport Science, did some Chek courses, some Poliquin, loads of REPs courses (yawn, yawn) did a lot of rehab work with my local London Authority, but nothing, nothing came anywhere near what Greg had to tell me.
My point in producing this page is to encourage you to always look at Greg’s word first. Before you start down the road of isolation (focusing on just one component of fitness) just remember how sophisticated the human body is, and that it is a whole organism, not a silly bundle of attributes. So, if you are working on your aerobic capacity, or strength, or flexibility, the chances are that you are hiding in your “strengths”, not challenging your weaknesses. Unfortunately nature does not recognise strength or flexibility, it just dumps nasty things in your your path.
So I thought I would like to give you the opportunity of hearing about Crossfit from Greg’s own lips, especially as we often struggle with explaining to you what Crossfit is about. If you have some extra clips, do send them to me at
andrew@Crossfitlondonuk.com
Here Greg talks about broad inclusive fitness
Greg Glassman: Deadlift
Greg Glassman: deadlift arm position
Greg Glassman: an overview
What about abs?
The push press
You can get other gems from Greg by subscribing to the Crossfit Journal, which is stupidly cheap.
Another resource, pointed out by Joel, is this site
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