Kelly Starrett

Dr. Kelly Starrett is a doctor of physical therapy, performance coach, and three-time New York Times bestselling author recognized for his contributions to human movement, mobility, and physical longevity. Starrett earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, California. Prior to his career in physical therapy, he competed for the U.S. canoeing and kayaking teams, winning two national championships and participating in two world championships. His personal experience with injury and recovery influenced his professional focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Starrett and his wife, Juliet Starrett, began CrossFit training and later opened San Francisco CrossFit, one of the first CrossFit gyms to incorporate an on-site physical therapy practice. Through extensive work with athletes and clients in group classes and clinical settings, Starrett observed that the majority of orthopedic injuries are preventable with proper understanding of movement mechanics. This insight led to the development of the Starrett Method of Movement & Mobility, a framework for improving athletic performance and reducing injury risk.

In 2008, the Starretts launched the fitness website MobilityWOD, later renamed The Ready State. The platform has been recognized by Outside Magazine and other outlets as a leading resource in fitness and mobility. To expand access to his expertise, Starrett initiated the Mobility Project, producing daily videos on topics such as deadlifting mechanics and sleep optimization. The Ready State has since become a global resource for athletes, coaches, fitness professionals, and enthusiasts, and Starrett has collaborated with Olympic gold medalists, UFC champions, and professional sports organizations worldwide.

Starrett is the author of several influential books on movement and performance, including "Becoming a Supple Leopard" and "Ready to Run," both New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers. "Becoming a Supple Leopard" was named one of Amazon's 100 Most Notable Books. He co-authored "Deskbound" with Juliet Starrett and Glen Cardoza, addressing the health impacts of sedentary lifestyles. The book aligns with the mission of StandUp Kids, the nonprofit founded by the Starretts to provide standing desks for children in schools. "Built to Move," co-authored with Juliet Starrett, furthers their commitment to making movement science accessible.

Starrett co-founded The Ready State and San Francisco CrossFit and has worked with athletes and teams across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and U.S. Olympic programs. He serves as an advisor to military special forces, first responders, and Fortune 500 companies, applying science-based methods to bridge rehabilitation and peak performance. Starrett teaches the CrossFit Movement & Mobility Trainer course and has been a guest lecturer at the American Physical Therapy Association annual convention, Google, the Perform Better Summit, the Special Operations Medical Association annual conference, police departments, and elite military groups. His work spans corporate wellness, professional sports, and tactical communities, focusing on practical strategies for movement, injury prevention, and physical health.