Don’t Sleep on These Athletes’ YouTube Channels
Just as we binge-watch our favorite Netflix shows, CrossFit fans also tune in to athlete-led YouTube channels for behind-the-scenes stories, training insights, and daily life content straight from the source.
When CrossFit’s Road to the Games returned this year, we were reminded of how much we love that raw, human view of elite competitors — but during the years it was absent, athletes took storytelling into their own hands.
- From “What I Eat in a Day” vlogs to intense training diaries and travel recaps, many have built thriving channels that offer fans an unfiltered connection beyond the competition floor.
We’ve rounded up some of the best – from CrossFit legends to next-gen stars – who are posting consistently and keeping the community entertained between seasons. (And yes, we already know this list needs a Part Two.)
Tia Clair Toomey-Orr and Mat Fraser, two of the three CrossFit GOATs, have well-established channels, with countless videos sharing training tips and glimpses into their lives. Fraser runs his channel alongside his brand and training camp, HWPO Training, offering content that includes episodes mainly centered on him, as well as training programs, other HWPO Training athletes, and coaches.
- Here’s one of our favorite episodes lately, with Fraser reliving his five most iconic workouts from his career.
Rounding out that triumvirate, of course, is Rich Froning, with the Rich Froning Podcast. Known for occasionally dropping a CrossFit Games season leak and chopping it up with Rory McKernan, Angelo Dicicco, and special guests, the Froning show is a must-watch.
Justin Medeiros, Dallin Pepper, Jayson Hopper, and occasional guest James Sprague have joined forces to create Boys Interrupted. Each of the men has their own channel, but the funny banter among the three friends, when they are together, is entertaining and definitely worth following.
- Here’s our favorite episode with guest Jack Farlow.
Speaking of Jack Farlow, his channel is notable for its wholesome content, which is often infused with dry Canadian humor. Farlow posts recaps of competitions and entertaining episodes, such as blind taste tests with his girlfriend, Emma Lawson.
- Here’s our favorite episode, where bargain-minded Farlow takes videographer Chad Mueller shopping at Costco.
Dani Speegle has one of the largest channels among current competitive athletes, with over 150,000 subscribers. Her content mainly focuses on competition and training, as she takes viewers to CrossFit Invictus and shares her Metcons.
- Here’s a tough cardio piece that she shared last month.
Noah Ohlsen is another athlete with a large following on YouTube, and his channel showcases his many talents and interests. He shares his daily training, personal challenges, such as attempting 10 Benchmark WODs in 60 minutes, Ironman prep, and behind-the-scenes footage of HYROX and marathon running.
- In this episode, he shares his first workout back in the gym after becoming a new dad.
The R.A.D channel features the R.A.D Tapes series, showcasing their athletes, especially Danielle Brandon. The episodes are very well-made and stylish, blending behind-the-scenes footage of competitions, training, and candid moments with a soundtrack that really hits hard.
- Here’s the most recent episode, focusing on Brandon and Team North America’s win at Wodapalooza SoCal.
Josh Bridges’ channel offers a wealth of training and diet tips, home gym advice, and personal insights like his experience as a Navy SEAL. Subscribers can also purchase his programming and branded clothing, which feature his signature “Pay Him” motto.
- Bridges posts frequently, and we particularly enjoyed this home gym tour.
Lauren Fisher shares plenty of day-in-the-life and training content, along with episodes about her Grown Strong fitness retreats in places like South Africa, Nicaragua, and Bali.
- Here’s a look inside a recent retreat she hosted with Jen Dancer in Thailand.
Sara Sigmundsdottir’s channel is similar to Fisher’s, sharing a little bit of every part of her life. She talks about her struggles with her autoimmune condition, vacationing off-grid in Iceland, and baking tips.
- Here she shares some “guilt-free brownies” that we’re craving.
Like Josh Bridges, Kristi Eramo O’Connell and her husband, Pat O’Connell, have built a large following on YouTube by sharing workout and nutrition advice, training tips, and insights from a legend in our sport with years of high-level competitive experience, as well as perspectives from small business owners.
- We never miss an episode from the O’Connell’s channel, and here’s a great one where the two discuss what advice they would give to their younger selves.
