The CrossFit Revolution: Greg Glassman on Fitness, Science & Fighting the Status Quo

Built On Purpose

In this episode of Built on Purpose, Max Hansen sits down with Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, to discuss his revolutionary impact on fitness, business, and beyond.

Key Highlights:

✅ The Origins of CrossFit

• Glassman’s journey started as a young gymnast seeking functional strength and endurance beyond traditional training.
• His early work with police and firefighters exposed gaps in conventional fitness, leading him to develop CrossFit’s high-intensity, functional movement approach.
• CrossFit’s rapid expansion, from a small garage gym to a global fitness movement with thousands of affiliates.

✅ Community & Competition in CrossFit

• The unexpected yet powerful camaraderie in CrossFit gyms helped fuel its growth.
• The structured, competitive nature of workouts creates an environment of support and motivation.
• CrossFit became a unifying force across military, first responders, and elite athletes worldwide.

✅ Challenging Traditional Fitness & Medicine

• Glassman discusses the resistance he faced from academic institutions and sports medicine groups.
• The fraudulent research and misinformation campaigns that tried to discredit CrossFit.
• His deep dive into the flaws of modern scientific research, which led to his focus on exposing corruption in public health.

✅ Diet, Sugar & the Health Crisis

• Glassman argues that sugar is the primary culprit behind obesity, metabolic diseases, and chronic health issues.
• The influence of major corporations like Coca-Cola in shaping misleading health science.
• His personal mission to fight misinformation in the health and fitness industry.

✅ The Role of Technology & Devices

• Concerns over the addictive nature of smartphones and digital devices, especially in children.
• The impact of screen time on social interactions, attention spans, and parenting.

✅ CrossFit & The Media Controversy

• How his outspoken nature led to media backlash and his eventual exit from CrossFit.
• The reality behind his departure and how he turned adversity into opportunity.
• His perspective on being “canceled” and why he remains unapologetic.

✅ Final Thoughts

• Glassman shares reflections on his journey, what he’s most proud of, and the broader lessons learned from building a movement.
• Insights into what’s next for him post-CrossFit and his continued passion for challenging the status quo.