More than 15 years ago Dr. Sears started working with Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, to integrate his Zone Diet with the innovative fitness programs Greg was developing for total functional fitness. At the time, the Zone Diet and the CrossFit training methods were both highly controversial since they challenged the basic assumptions of how diet and physical training should be done. Once Greg started introducing the Zone Diet concept into his training program, he immediately recognized the powerful synergism of the two programs.
Fast forward to the present. The Zone Diet is now recognized as the premier anti-inflammatory diet, and the CrossFit training program is being rapidly implemented (especially by the military) as the fastest way to reach peak physical performance. On Aug. 8, Dr. Sears lectured to more than 400 certified CrossFit trainers on the molecular biology of the Zone Diet and its relation to high-intensity training that is the core of the CrossFit program.
As Dr. Sears pointed out, in the final analysis both programs change genetic expression, thus explaining why they are so synergistic in combination. In the course of his three-hour seminar, Dr. Sears discussed that the next breakthrough in physical training will occur in the area of developing and strengthening neuro-muscular connections induced by training. This can be done by improving hormonal control and building new neurological connections using the Zone Diet and high-dose fish oil as well as the integrated use of high-intensity training, such as the CrossFit program.
During the discussions with members of the CrossFit staff after the seminar, their comments indicated that they believe the overall success of the CrossFit program is probably due in equal parts to the Zone Diet and the intensity of innovative training through the exercises.
This is why Dr. Sears’ final lecture on the obstacles and strategies for integrating the Zone Diet became so important for the attendees. As Dr. Sears explained, people are more likely to change their religion than to change their diet. Getting someone involved in a training program is relatively easy; getting them to change their diet is the real challenge. However, once the integration of the anti-inflammatory Zone Diet becomes a reality for an individual, then application of the CrossFit training program can take anyone interested in better performance to a much higher level.