Learning to Breathe Fire: The Rise of CrossFit and the Primal Future of Fitness
Description
<p><b>The absorbing, definitive account of CrossFit's origins, its explosive grassroots growth, and its emergence as a global phenomenon.</b><br /> <br />One of the most illuminating books ever on a sports subculture, <i>Learning to Breathe Fire </i>combines vivid sports writing with a thoughtful meditation on what it means to be human. In the book, veteran journalist J.C. Herz explains the science of maximum effort, why the modern gym fails an obese society, and the psychic rewards of ending up on the floor feeling as though you're about to die. <br /> <br />The story traces CrossFit’s rise, from a single underground gym in Santa Cruz to its adoption as the workout of choice for elite special forces, firefighters and cops, to its popularity as the go-to fitness routine for regular Joes and Janes. Especially riveting is Herz’s description of The CrossFit Games, which begin as an informal throw-down on a California ranch and evolve into a televised global proving ground for the fittest men and women on Earth, as well as hundreds of thousands of lesser mortals. <br /> <br />In her portrayal of the sport's star athletes, its passionate coaches and its “chief armorer,” Rogue Fitness, Herz powerfully evokes the uniqueness of a fitness culture that cultivates primal fierceness in average people. And in the shared ordeal of an all-consuming workout, she unearths the ritual intensity that's been with us since humans invented sports, showing us how, on a deep level, we're all tribal hunters and first responders, waiting for the signal to go all-out. </p>
Story Behind The Book
I always knew I loved my grandfather but it wasn't until after his death that I realized what a gem he was. Whether swimming at his farm, washing windows at his jewelry store in the middle of winter (you could only imagine), or playing with our imaginary dogs, Grandpa was sure of one thing...always make time to have fun in your day!
I did not write my memoir only for myself, but to share with others the importance of family, fun, and life-lessons. This book should bring a smile to your face and hopefully bring back some great childhood memories of your own.
Reviews
<p><span style="color:#0000ff;">“My Hero, My Ding” by Lisa A. Tortorello, a
memoir of a Girl and her Grandfather. In this heartwarming, endearing and
life-touching story this Author shares her most treasured memories – times with
her Grandfather. Although he became a jewelry maker and jewelry store owner, he
gave her a rare gem, time and love, more precious than any of the jewels he had
made. She found a rare treasure in their relationship – a treasure that would
last a lifetime. These cherished memories etched a portrait in her life of not
just a grandfather, but a hero. He left behind for her a treasure worth far more
than gold. This book will touch your heart and reflect to other families to not
let disagreements weigh you down, but perhaps be lifted by the spirit of love,
that we can all possibly be the “hero” in the lives of those we love.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ff;">Ren Royal author of <strong><em>Lost Faith to
the Living Faith</em></strong></span></p>