Cabanas Díaz, Edgar2024-10-142024-10-142024Cabanas, E. (2024). CrossFit and Self-Optimization in CrossFit’s Popular Literature. Historical Social Research, 49(3), 30–59. https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.49.2024.230172-6404https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.49.2024.23https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14468/24043The registered version of this article, first published in “Historical Social Research, 49(3), 30–59", is available online at the publisher's website: Social Science Open Access Repository (SSOAR), https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.49.2024.23 La versión registrada de este artículo, publicado por primera vez en “Historical Social Research, 49(3), 30–59", está disponible en línea en el sitio web del editor: Social Science Open Access Repository (SSOAR), https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.49.2024.23CrossFit is one of the fastest growing fitness phenomena of the last decade. Considered the largest fitness business today, CrossFit's widespread popularity has attracted increasing interest from a variety of disciplines. Despite this burgeoning scholarly attention, few analyses have focused on examining CrossFit's discourse of self-optimization and the role it plays in shaping the ideal image of the CrossFitter. The present paper addresses this question by examining the popular literature on CrossFit using a Critical Discourse Approach (CDA). Findings reveal CrossFit's understanding of self-optimization as a polyhedral and demanding process that goes beyond physical discipline to encompass all facets of the self. Five main themes of self-optimization are identified in the popular CrossFit literature: 1) failure and weakness, 2) pain and constant preparedness, 3) integral self-work and passionate commitment, 4) constant self-improvement, and 5) community support. Drawing on previous research on the topic, the paper also reflects on the relationship between CrossFit and neoliberalism, suggesting CrossFit as a fertile ground for the humanities and social sciences to further explore the intersections between the fields of health, sport, self-optimization, and identity.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess72 FilosofíaartículocrossFitself-optimizationfitnesstherapeutic cultureemotionsneoliberalism