First What It Takes to Win by Rich Froning

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 · 1,802 ratings  · 147 reviews

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Apr 19, 2018 lucie rated it liked it

'It's about the community.'

Obviously, Rich Froning is one of the best crossfit athletes in the world and his book is truly inspirational and motivational. It was interesting to read about his mindset and see how he approaches this sport.
Loved the inside look to the crossfit games, which I know only from youtube videos.

'It's about the community.'

Obviously, Rich Froning is one of the best crossfit athletes in the world and his book is truly inspirational and motivational. It was interesting to read about his mindset and see how he approaches this sport.
Loved the inside look to the crossfit games, which I know only from youtube videos. ...more

Oct 09, 2014 Charlie rated it did not like it

I have an enormous amount of respect for Rich Froning and his crossfit accomplishments, so it was very hard to give this book a poor rating.
Unfortunately it was poorly written, and not very entertaining at all. It took a few odd turns as well. I'm a crossfit fanatic, and a Froning fan, but I'm going to have to say pass on this one. I have an enormous amount of respect for Rich Froning and his crossfit accomplishments, so it was very hard to give this book a poor rating.
Unfortunately it was poorly written, and not very entertaining at all. It took a few odd turns as well. I'm a crossfit fanatic, and a Froning fan, but I'm going to have to say pass on this one. ...more

If you are looking for a well written novel, this isn't it. It's written as if Rich was speaking. An easy read and good insight into CrossFit. The book is in 2-3 star area. If Mr. Froning put as much effort into writing a compelling and colorful story as he does into his multiple daily workouts, it would likely come out with a higher rating. If you are looking for a well written novel, this isn't it. It's written as if Rich was speaking. An easy read and good insight into CrossFit. The book is in 2-3 star area. If Mr. Froning put as much effort into writing a compelling and colorful story as he does into his multiple daily workouts, it would likely come out with a higher rating. ...more

Such an awesome book. I loved learning about how Rich got started and how his main focus is to glorify God in all that he does. He has been my inspiration for making CrossFit my greatest ministry took. Rich isn't an author, but this book kept me enthralled. He was able to recall every detail of his competitions and it felt like I was sitting there watching him. Great job Rich, and God bless. Such an awesome book. I loved learning about how Rich got started and how his main focus is to glorify God in all that he does. He has been my inspiration for making CrossFit my greatest ministry took. Rich isn't an author, but this book kept me enthralled. He was able to recall every detail of his competitions and it felt like I was sitting there watching him. Great job Rich, and God bless. ...more

Aug 07, 2017 Tyler King rated it it was amazing

I absolutely love this book! Rich Froning is the champion of the Crossfit Games four years in a row. He explains his ups and downs of his career and just how he kept going on his journey to be....First!

Dec 04, 2017 Ron S rated it it was ok

Crossfit'n for Jesus,
Crossfit'n for Jesus,
Makin' all my lifts...

The Crossfit icon details his rise in the sport, along with his Christian faith.

Crossfit'n for Jesus,
Crossfit'n for Jesus,
Makin' all my lifts...

The Crossfit icon details his rise in the sport, along with his Christian faith.

...more

Another "what makes me tick" book by a CrossFit athlete. Not just any CrossFit athlete, but Rich Froning. A natural athlete also bearing the gift of very good looks, he gets a lot of understandable attention, but he's aware that fitness isn't the whole story in life, is dedicated to his faith, and he works very hard to stay humble.
I admire these champion CrossFit athletes, Their high work ethic and remarkable achievements are astounding. The workouts are obnoxious, even for someone like me who Another "what makes me tick" book by a CrossFit athlete. Not just any CrossFit athlete, but Rich Froning. A natural athlete also bearing the gift of very good looks, he gets a lot of understandable attention, but he's aware that fitness isn't the whole story in life, is dedicated to his faith, and he works very hard to stay humble.
I admire these champion CrossFit athletes, Their high work ethic and remarkable achievements are astounding. The workouts are obnoxious, even for someone like me who isn't a stranger to competitive sport. Reading a book like this makes me feel inspired and tired at the same time.
Audiobook, read by a narrator. The narrator did a fine job but as always I like to hear a book read by its author when possible. I've never heard Rich Froning speak…maybe he sounds like Elmer Fudd. ...more

Rich is awesome! Loved reading his story and thoughts.

Feb 11, 2019 beno hwang rated it it was amazing

an easy read. i really enjoyed having that view from the competition floor thru rich's stories. in general, this book was very inspirational. an easy read. i really enjoyed having that view from the competition floor thru rich's stories. in general, this book was very inspirational. ...more

May 11, 2021 Adam Page rated it it was amazing

Great book!! Loved Rich's thoughts about his spiritual journey and how he ties it into his Crossfit journey. It is a motivational and encouraging book. Great book!! Loved Rich's thoughts about his spiritual journey and how he ties it into his Crossfit journey. It is a motivational and encouraging book. ...more

Jul 29, 2014 Shannon rated it liked it

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As an avid CrossFitter and one with a deep respect and admiration for Rich Froning, I loved the insight into Rich the son, father, husband and coach. I especially enjoyed the details of his struggle to determine his purpose and his stories regarding his faith. Yet, the book is written at a very basic level, presumably to be attainable to a wider audience. If the prose were a bit more colorful, it would have been a 4 star-since I rarely give 5. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As an avid CrossFitter and one with a deep respect and admiration for Rich Froning, I loved the insight into Rich the son, father, husband and coach. I especially enjoyed the details of his struggle to determine his purpose and his stories regarding his faith. Yet, the book is written at a very basic level, presumably to be attainable to a wider audience. If the prose were a bit more colorful, it would have been a 4 star-since I rarely give 5. If you are into CrossFit or just interested in the sport, it's a must read. Rich had challenges with some basic CrossFit skills and his method of tackling them was definitely inspirational and shows that even the 4 time champ works his butt off in the box. ...more

Jan 20, 2014 Paul Amerigo rated it it was amazing

If you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a two-time CrossFit champion then this is the book to read. Rich Froning Jr. could have been a three-time CrossFit champion if he had known how to climb a rope with his legs. What this book reveals however is how that rope challenge served as a kind of personal Rubicon for the author and how that weakness led to many changes in his life. A very interesting read on how faith and hard work worked together for a CrossFitter like Rich.

Mar 15, 2014 Mike rated it really liked it

Full disclosure: I am a card-carrying crossfitter. So, yes, I quite liked this.

His background and the crossfit games birds-eye stuff was great. Likable, hardworking, crazy-talented individual.

He has a lot in there on his faith and how it relates to his crossfitting. I have a difficult time relating to that perspective, but I understand his better now.

Maybe I will get a tattoo as well.

Rich is a normal guy. I relate to him in that sense. He does extraordinary things but at his core he is a man who sweats blood and tears to get what he gets. Love his premise of Faith is what brings out the winner. Not because you ask God to make you a winner but because through a relationship with Him you become a winner by default, not always in a way that you intended however. You are a winner in the way God wants to use you.

Sep 27, 2020 Geric rated it it was amazing

Great read!

I'm personally not a big fan or participant of CrossFit, though I am definitely intrigued. I first came upon Rich Froning while researching another current CF star, Mat Fraser, and wanted to know more about Froning, which brought me to this book. I was curious about what drove him, his eating habits and workout routines. This book delves into all that and much, much more.

The first third of the book is really interesting because it deals with his upbringing and how it shaped his insan

Great read!

I'm personally not a big fan or participant of CrossFit, though I am definitely intrigued. I first came upon Rich Froning while researching another current CF star, Mat Fraser, and wanted to know more about Froning, which brought me to this book. I was curious about what drove him, his eating habits and workout routines. This book delves into all that and much, much more.

The first third of the book is really interesting because it deals with his upbringing and how it shaped his insane work ethic. From the outset, you can see that family is everything to him, and certain events shaped him in ways that he ultimately shows are for the better.

The meat of the book deals with what he is known best for: CrossFit. He details his experiences in the Games and doesn't let up. It almost seems like he's selling himself, which made it a bit hard to get through. Almost felt like a slog. Considering I have no vested interest in CF, a lot of what he described wasn't too appealing to me, though I did admire the courage he conveys through his writing.

Finally, his faith shines forth at the final third of the book. He lets it be known how he feels about his faith, the future of CrossFit and his life. It must also be noted that he wrote this book in 2013, when he was 25. I'm a bit curious what he would write differently about if he wrote it nowadays in 2020, with another superstar in Fraser. I'm sure the questions will forever abound unless they directly face off against one another, but Froning implicitly puts a stop to all that talk by saying that 3 F's rule his life: 1.) Faith, 2.) Family and 3.) Fitness. Note how fitness is third, so where he places amongst others has no bearing to him. And that's the most admirable trait of Rich Froning.

...more

CrossFit isn't something that I'm into. It's not something I am interested in. And it isn't something I would professionally recommend to a client who is looking to exercise and get healthy. I'm not a fan of the culture and I don't like the incredible vulnerability that the improper movements subject a person's body to.

In my quest to gain perspective, I chose to read this book in order to broaden my horizons and increase my understanding as to what draws people to this sport. After reading First

CrossFit isn't something that I'm into. It's not something I am interested in. And it isn't something I would professionally recommend to a client who is looking to exercise and get healthy. I'm not a fan of the culture and I don't like the incredible vulnerability that the improper movements subject a person's body to.

In my quest to gain perspective, I chose to read this book in order to broaden my horizons and increase my understanding as to what draws people to this sport. After reading First: What It Takes to Win, I realize the key to winning (according to Rich Froning) is faith in God.

Personally, I feel like a dedicated, focused approach to a specific goal is what it takes to win. I appreciated Froning's explanation of the CrossFit Games and how an athlete couldn't predict what they were in for. I LOVE that concept, which is why I am an avid OCR (obstacle course race) contestant. I like being met with the unknown and having to rely on my physical and mental abilities to overcome any obstacle.

This book may really speak to those who are into CrossFit, but for me, I found it to fall flat.

...more

Dec 01, 2018 pexfa rated it liked it

Summary: Rich Froning walks you through his life growing up, discovery of Crossfit and how he became (at the time) two time Crossfit Games champion.

Rich Froning has of course gone on to win the Crossfit Games four times as an individual - a feat which to date is unmatched by any Games athlete.

What is most intriguing about this book is how humble Rich comes across. You get a sense of his upbringing and the nurturing of his competitive nature—at the hands of his cousins and uncles—as well as the

Summary: Rich Froning walks you through his life growing up, discovery of Crossfit and how he became (at the time) two time Crossfit Games champion.

Rich Froning has of course gone on to win the Crossfit Games four times as an individual - a feat which to date is unmatched by any Games athlete.

What is most intriguing about this book is how humble Rich comes across. You get a sense of his upbringing and the nurturing of his competitive nature—at the hands of his cousins and uncles—as well as the development of his work ethic--at the hands of his parents who are very much his example in diligence.

This is a great read for any fan of Crossfit. There are lots of stories of his journey in Crossfit as he went from a relative unknown to a Crossfit celebrity. More than that this is good reading for the Christian Crossfitter/athlete as Froning makes some very salient points about what it means to be a Christian athlete and find one's purpose not in winning alone but in glorifying God in all that he does.

...more

The author isn't really and writer and you can tell. Since I'm interested in physical fitness and enjoy watching the crossfit games, it held my attention. I enjoyed getting an inside look at the training and competition from one of the champions of the sport. The book is more of a short synopsis of the authors two championships with a bit about his life and how he uses crossfit to share his christian beliefs. There is also some detail about crossfit terminology and workouts. This would be a good The author isn't really and writer and you can tell. Since I'm interested in physical fitness and enjoy watching the crossfit games, it held my attention. I enjoyed getting an inside look at the training and competition from one of the champions of the sport. The book is more of a short synopsis of the authors two championships with a bit about his life and how he uses crossfit to share his christian beliefs. There is also some detail about crossfit terminology and workouts. This would be a good book for someone that is considering crossfit training and want's to be inspired to participate in that specific realm. There are much better books on athletes overcoming obstacles and winning against all odds, so I wouldn't recommend this for readers looking for that sort of book. It's better for the crossfit audience or those who enjoy seeing Christians have an impact through sports. ...more

This was my tribute to CrossFit.

Enjoyed it throughout. This is of course relaxing and free-flowing read, just not the one from which you can learn a lot, beside being relentless when it comes attacking your goals, which include your largest weakness.

'Think about your body and let it to develop as much as it can for the glory of God' Rich says (I'm paraphrasing). Completely agree. But it takes quite a lot of discipline to achieve that. As in crossfit - you cannot specialize in this too much as yo

This was my tribute to CrossFit.

Enjoyed it throughout. This is of course relaxing and free-flowing read, just not the one from which you can learn a lot, beside being relentless when it comes attacking your goals, which include your largest weakness.

'Think about your body and let it to develop as much as it can for the glory of God' Rich says (I'm paraphrasing). Completely agree. But it takes quite a lot of discipline to achieve that. As in crossfit - you cannot specialize in this too much as you will leave some other areas of life not covered enough.

A little too much of religion here. But quite a half-full glass of spirit(uality) as well.

...more

Aug 07, 2019 Fabs rated it it was amazing

Everyone involved and interested in CrossFit knows Rich Froning and the legacy he left behind after "retiring" from individual competition and joining teams. In his book he takes you from his beginnings in CrossFit to the Games, to his gym, faith, family and hardships. His writing is as simple as one can possibly imagine and every subject he writes about is no rocket science. Why 5 stars, then? BECAUSE OF ITS MESSAGE! He literally talks about the quintessential perspectives in life! I can only h Everyone involved and interested in CrossFit knows Rich Froning and the legacy he left behind after "retiring" from individual competition and joining teams. In his book he takes you from his beginnings in CrossFit to the Games, to his gym, faith, family and hardships. His writing is as simple as one can possibly imagine and every subject he writes about is no rocket science. Why 5 stars, then? BECAUSE OF ITS MESSAGE! He literally talks about the quintessential perspectives in life! I can only highly recommend it! ...more

Good book
Easy to read
Rich Froning has been a model for being a classy guy in CrossFit, the number one growing sport in America
In this book he explains a lot about his life and how he got to the point where he was competing and winning in CrossFit, and his mindset during his first couple of CrossFit games wins
I would recommend this book to anyone who is familiar to the sport and wants to know the mindset of someone competing at the highest level

Nov 05, 2020 Ben G rated it really liked it

First What It Takes To Win by Rich Froning. this book is about Rich Froning who is a 4 time CrossFit champion and his journey on how he became the fittest man on earth 4 times. when he was younger he had a lot of chores to do. his parents influenced a good work ethic that is why he has a very good work ethic now. durning his first year at the CrossFit games in 2010 he was in the lead and was going to win but on the last he could not do a rope climb. in the following years 2011,2012,2013, and 201 First What It Takes To Win by Rich Froning. this book is about Rich Froning who is a 4 time CrossFit champion and his journey on how he became the fittest man on earth 4 times. when he was younger he had a lot of chores to do. his parents influenced a good work ethic that is why he has a very good work ethic now. durning his first year at the CrossFit games in 2010 he was in the lead and was going to win but on the last he could not do a rope climb. in the following years 2011,2012,2013, and 2014 he went on to win the title all for years of the fittest man on earth. ...more

Jun 20, 2018 Kelley rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book. I am a big fan of the crossfit games in general and Rich Froning in particular. He seems down to earth and pretty chill. I appreciated his spiritual insights. I loved hearing the details and background behind some of the competitions I have seen him in. I'm not saying that this is a book for everyone, but I loved every word of it. I really enjoyed this book. I am a big fan of the crossfit games in general and Rich Froning in particular. He seems down to earth and pretty chill. I appreciated his spiritual insights. I loved hearing the details and background behind some of the competitions I have seen him in. I'm not saying that this is a book for everyone, but I loved every word of it. ...more

Feb 07, 2019 Luís Pires rated it really liked it

It was a good first person perspective of how it was to be the number one. The book focuses a lot his personal and family life.

In a sense this book teaches us hard work pays off. He tries to be humble and show that he is no more than his opponents, and he wins by working smart, but mostly by working in a bigger volume.

In general a good read.

Mar 16, 2019 Joseph rated it really liked it

Mostly a biography that focuses upon Froning's early Crossfit career, it's also a bit of evangelism and encouragement. I enjoyed it, but I am not sure how interested non-Crossfitters would be in the storyline. It's also better when you know he goes on to win the games three more times and his moral and spiritual compass remain strong to this day. Mostly a biography that focuses upon Froning's early Crossfit career, it's also a bit of evangelism and encouragement. I enjoyed it, but I am not sure how interested non-Crossfitters would be in the storyline. It's also better when you know he goes on to win the games three more times and his moral and spiritual compass remain strong to this day. ...more

Sep 16, 2019 Sebastian Song rated it really liked it

A candid and humbling memoir of one of the fittest man in the world. While most is devoted to Rich's Christian faith and his devotion of his purpose to God, the book reveals a family man, a mortal who worked hard for his achievements, three times world's fittest man. An individual who prefers to share his glory with his friends and family, this is an excellent insight into the world of CrossFit. A candid and humbling memoir of one of the fittest man in the world. While most is devoted to Rich's Christian faith and his devotion of his purpose to God, the book reveals a family man, a mortal who worked hard for his achievements, three times world's fittest man. An individual who prefers to share his glory with his friends and family, this is an excellent insight into the world of CrossFit. ...more

A good introduction and some history of crossfit. The author presents a good picture of the physical and mental strains experienced when competing in the championship. However there is much religious fluffery used for performance motivation. However I see the message as crossfit is a tool to help channel religous fanatics towards not destroying this world.

Crossfit

Well this book didn't turn out to be what I expected. I started reading this after another crossfit book. I think I struggled with this one because it is heavily faith based. I skipped over a lot of the information, especially the workouts.
The book does give a great description of the different moves, acronyms, and WODs.

Crossfit

Well this book didn't turn out to be what I expected. I started reading this after another crossfit book. I think I struggled with this one because it is heavily faith based. I skipped over a lot of the information, especially the workouts.
The book does give a great description of the different moves, acronyms, and WODs.

...more

A great man

It feels good getting to know your heroes. I have so much more respect for the fittest man on earth now that I have learned about his values and motivation.

What's next? A book with workout plans and how to staying staying could be a great follow up.

A great man

It feels good getting to know your heroes. I have so much more respect for the fittest man on earth now that I have learned about his values and motivation.

What's next? A book with workout plans and how to staying staying could be a great follow up.

...more

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First What It Takes to Win by Rich Froning

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