Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Coach introduces foundational principles of training to future military leaders
On January 6, 2009, Coach Glassman delivered a presentation at the National War College at National Defense University, speaking to an audience of more than 100 current and future leaders of the U.S. military. Introduced by Tony Spinosa, the university’s Health and Fitness Director and former assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Washington Redskins, Glassman outlined key principles behind his training methodology. A safe and effective program follows a strict progression: athletes must first learn proper movement mechanics, then develop consistency, and only afterward increase intensity. Because high-intensity training can be dangerous when performed incorrectly, spending time practicing movements before adding speed or competitive pressure is essential.
Coach also discusses the concept of General Physical Preparedness (GPP), arguing that broad, well-rounded fitness is often the most overlooked aspect of athletic training—even among elite competitors. Addressing weaknesses in foundational fitness frequently improves performance more than additional sport-specific work. He explains that intensity is the primary driver of positive physical adaptations such as improved bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic health, but warns that the training stimulus must be carefully managed. Like powerful medicine, the program produces rapid results but must be properly dosed to avoid serious risks, including overtraining or rhabdomyolysis.
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The Glassman Archive is a comprehensive repository of Greg Glassman’s work during his leadership of CrossFit.
This collection preserves his original material and the foundational ideas he shared. We believe these insights are worth promoting and protecting. These lessons continue to inform his ongoing work with the Broken Science Initiative and MetFix.
Coach introduces foundational principles of training to future military leaders
On January 6, 2009, Coach Glassman delivered a presentation at the National War College at National Defense University, speaking to an audience of more than 100 current and future leaders of the U.S. military. Introduced by Tony Spinosa, the university’s Health and Fitness Director and former assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Washington Redskins, Glassman outlined key principles behind his training methodology. A safe and effective program follows a strict progression: athletes must first learn proper movement mechanics, then develop consistency, and only afterward increase intensity. Because high-intensity training can be dangerous when performed incorrectly, spending time practicing movements before adding speed or competitive pressure is essential.
Coach also discusses the concept of General Physical Preparedness (GPP), arguing that broad, well-rounded fitness is often the most overlooked aspect of athletic training—even among elite competitors. Addressing weaknesses in foundational fitness frequently improves performance more than additional sport-specific work. He explains that intensity is the primary driver of positive physical adaptations such as improved bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic health, but warns that the training stimulus must be carefully managed. Like powerful medicine, the program produces rapid results but must be properly dosed to avoid serious risks, including overtraining or rhabdomyolysis.
------------------------------
The Glassman Archive is a comprehensive repository of Greg Glassman’s work during his leadership of CrossFit.
This collection preserves his original material and the foundational ideas he shared. We believe these insights are worth promoting and protecting. These lessons continue to inform his ongoing work with the Broken Science Initiative and MetFix.
