Training for the CrossFit Games: A Year of Programming used to train Julie Foucher, The 2nd Fittest Woman on Earth, CrossFit Games 2012 Paperback – November 30, 2013

This book provides an incredibly rare and invaluable look into an entire year of unique, complex, and successful programming. Just by purchasing this book you will not become a better athlete, coach, or person. However, should you take the lessons of this programming and apply it to your own training, or (dare I even suggest) you actually do this programming as prescribed, you will see improvements in ways you may not have thought possible. It's hard to appreciate a "book" that takes weeks/months to benefit from, but if you don't have the gusto to hang with the lessons and design of this programming I think it's safe to say this book isn't for you. If you find that you've been doing crossfit, or other training, and don't have a good understanding of how to progressively program or how to break through plateaus, this book can help you open those doors.Much of the crossfit community is sorely lacking in progressive programming -- including skills development, strength development, movement precision, and stamina. Any workout, on a given day, will make you a bit more fit...that's easy enough to accomplish. Programming that builds and develops the complete athlete is truly unique, and greatly in need. Doug is uniquely gifted in his understanding of the old schools, new schools, and evil schools of training and how to build them into an unmatched development series to optimize each athlete's potential. Follow the pages in the book, and see how workouts cycle, weights change, combinations of movements change, and think about how each is a new challenge that will make you better if you execute them correctly.No one can make you a better athlete on paper. Doug's book gives you some tools, ideas, and lots of workout programming to help you get there if you can put the work in.

This training guide is a phenomenal resource. Following this programming I experienced gains and acquired new skill sets that I never would've imagined possible. This took the thinking and worrying about whether or not I was missing something in my programming and gave me a strict regiment to follow that helped me prepare for the unknown and develop all aspects of my fitness. Combined with mental fortitude and commitment, this programming will test you and has proven to prepare elite athletes to compete and succeed at the most elite level(Julie Foucher). Whether you're an elite athlete, first time CrossFitter, or Coach, this book can offer you an invaluable guide to your own programming, give you ideas, and help guide you if you find yourself stuck in the process. At it's simplest, this is a snapshot of what was done, the results will come from the work, and there is much work to be done!

There were a few reviews concerning the vocabulary in the book being too vague, but there is a glossary so this wasn't a problem. I program at an affiliate and this is a great book for getting the creative juices flowing. I think it's a good deal for the low price. It's a short bit of info and intro, and the rest of the book is simply 52 weeks of WOD ( workout of the day) programming. I wouldn't just use the WOD s entirely as is (and if you do, you probably don't have any business programming for an affiliate) but as I said, it's great for lone crossfitters or helping along the programming process with an abundance of ideas.

Doug Chapman is a highly respected, well known coach in the CrossFit world. Our top athletes at our box are following his programming with amazing results. I was thrilled to see Coach Doug unveil his "secrets" in this book and purchased it immediately. It is incredibly inspiring and encouraging to follow Julie Foucher's progress and improved benchmarks as she follows his prescription for top level competition. She recalls when she first deadlifted 200 lbs or put 90+ lbs over her head and then allows the reader a glimpse into her personal records and increased strength as she followed Coach Chapman's structure. The book is encouraging and gives the reader a CrossFit programming blueprint to follow for success. I have witnessed first hand the benefits of his programming as top athletes at our box have diligently followed the formula with amazing improvement. His perspective helps athletes bear through the challenges of his programming knowing that results will come with strict adherence. A must read to anyone serious about getting stronger and better at CrossFit. 5 stars!

This is heavily narrated and very technically termed. If you aren't someone who frequents a Box at least a few times a week you will find yourself looking words/moves/acronyms up. It's an interesting read but not exactly what I was looking for as a newer CF'er.

This book is a great insight into training elite level athletes. Everyday people can also make gains in their fitness levels by following the training program. Interestingly, elite level/CrossFit Games competitors train in the same classes and next to everyday people in Doug's classes. Both make great gains and consistently challenged by the programming.Doug has trained countless athletes and has vast knowledge in the fitness industry and CrossFit. After playing 12 years in professional sports and a few surgeries I trained with Doug and followed his programming. His knowledge from years of training has allowed me to not only wake up without "a sore back" but to also increase my flexibility, strength and conditioning. I can currently move better, squat more and dead lift over 400 lbs.