CrossFit—ever heard of it? Of course, you have. It’s that intense, sweat-dripping, heart-pumping workout everyone’s talking about.
You’ve probably heard about it at your local gym or from that friend who can’t stop saying “WOD” like it’s everyday slang.
But where did it all begin?
Let’s rewind to the 1990s and explore CrossFit’s journey from a small garage in Santa Cruz to a full-on worldwide movement—a community, a lifestyle, and, for many, a passion.
- CrossFit was started in 1996 by Greg Glassman, a former gymnast who created intense, functional workouts that mimic everyday movements.
- CrossFit thrives on its strong community, with over 13,000 affiliates globally, making it more of a lifestyle than a workout.
- The CrossFit Games, launched in 2007, helped push CrossFit into the spotlight, showcasing the fittest athletes and growing its influence.
How It All Started: One Man, One Vision, One Garage
In the 1990s, Greg Glassman, a former gymnast, looked at the fitness world and thought, “There’s gotta be a better way.”
Glassman wasn’t interested in traditional fitness programs that focused on one thing at a time, such as weightlifting for strength or cardio for endurance.
He wanted a workout to prepare people for anything life throws at them.
By 1996, Glassman had a game plan: functional, high-intensity movements that mimicked everyday actions.
You know, like squatting to pick something up or jumping up on a curb. It wasn’t about looking good in the mirror (though that could be a bonus) but about building real-world fitness.
The first CrossFit gym—or as insiders call it, a “box”—opened in Santa Cruz in 2000.
And no, it wasn’t some fancy gym with machines everywhere. Instead, it was a bare-bones space where people pushed their limits with a mix of bodyweight exercises and minimal equipment.
However, what made CrossFit stand out was the community. People pushed, supported, and encouraged each other like a family.
CrossFit’s Early Growth: From Law Enforcement to the Global Stage
At first, CrossFit was a hidden gem. But that didn’t last long. It quickly caught on, especially with the military and law enforcement, who loved its focus on functional fitness.
Essentially, CrossFit prepares you for anything. And people in tough, unpredictable jobs needed that.
Then, in 2007, CrossFit had a game-changing idea—literally. They created the CrossFit Games, a competition to determine who was the “Fittest on Earth.”
This wasn’t your typical fitness contest. Athletes had to show they could do it all—run, lift, climb, swim—you name it. It was exciting and unpredictable, and it got a LOT of attention.
In just a few years, CrossFit exploded in popularity. By 2009, there were over 1,000 CrossFit affiliates (gyms) worldwide, and the prize money for the Games went from $500 to $250,000.
Not bad, right?
CrossFit’s Expansion and Cultural Influence
One of the coolest things about CrossFit is that it’s more than a workout. Sure, the workouts are tough, but the community spirit really sets it apart.
You don’t just show up at a CrossFit box, do your thing, and leave. You connect with people, cheer each other on, and build authentic relationships. It’s like joining a fitness family where everyone’s rooting for your success.
The magic lies in the fact these bonds don’t stay at the gym. CrossFitters often hang out outside the box, participating in everything from nutrition challenges to social events.
And because of social media and documentaries like Fittest on Earth, that sense of community went global.
Suddenly, you could see people from all corners of the world sharing their workouts, their progress, and their stories online.
With that surge, CrossFit became a worldwide fitness culture. Words like “WOD” (Workout of the Day) and “AMRAP” (As Many Reps As Possible) became common lingo in gyms everywhere.
Wherever you were in New York or New Zealand, CrossFitters spoke the same language.
The CrossFit Games: From Local Event to Worldwide Phenomenon
Speaking of community and competition, the CrossFit Games quickly became the year’s event for athletes and fans.
These Games were no joke—each year, the workouts got harder, the stakes increased, and the prize money grew.
By 2023, athletes like Jeffrey Adler and Laura Horvath were crowned the “Fittest on Earth.”
What’s amazing is that the Games aren’t only about elite athletes. In fact, they’ve inspired everyday people to push themselves beyond their limits.
It’s not uncommon to walk into a CrossFit box and see people competing against themselves, striving to beat their previous scores or lift just a little heavier than last time.
That’s the magic of CrossFit—you’re always aiming for progress.
CrossFit’s Challenges and Criticism
Of course, no success story is without a few bumps in the road. CrossFit has had its fair share of controversy—and not only because of its tough workouts.
In 2020, Greg Glassman stepped down after making some very controversial comments, which led to a massive shakeup in the company.
It was a tough moment for the community, but Eric Roza took over and brought in fresh ideas.
Under Roza’s leadership, CrossFit has worked to regain trust and keep pushing forward.
And there’s also been safety concerns.
CrossFit’s high-intensity nature means that injuries could happen without proper form or guidance.
In response, CrossFit has prioritized proper coaching and scaling workouts, ensuring that beginners and advanced athletes alike can train safely and effectively.
How CrossFit Changed Fitness Forever
CrossFit didn’t only change the lives of people who stepped into its gyms—it changed the fitness world.
Before CrossFit, functional fitness and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) were relatively unknown.
Now? Those are buzzwords in every gym and fitness app.
CrossFit introduced the idea that working out should make you strong for real life, not just to look good in a mirror.
Where CrossFit Stands Today
Even after all these years, CrossFit is still going strong. There are more than 13,000 affiliates worldwide, and it keeps growing.
CrossFit’s influence is everywhere, from mainstream fitness classes to how people think about overall health.
Sure, there have been controversies and criticisms, but CrossFit has weathered them all, evolving and staying true to its mission—making people fitter, healthier, and more capable.
Join the CrossFit Movement
CrossFit’s journey from a single garage in Santa Cruz to a worldwide phenomenon is nothing short of inspiring.
What started as a different approach to fitness has turned into a global movement that has redefined how we think about strength, endurance, and community.
As we can see, CrossFit is a way of life. It’s about pushing your limits, lifting each other up, and constantly striving to be better, faster, and stronger.
Whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete, you have a place in the CrossFit community.
So, if you’re ready to take on a new challenge and experience something bigger than just a workout, it’s time to step into a CrossFit box.
You’ll leave stronger, both physically and mentally, and gain a community that’s got your back every step of the way.
