Few people work out thinking they want to “reduce inflammation.” Most hit the gym to feel better, look better or increase performance. According to Dr. Barry Sears, what they’re really doing is reducing inflammation.

High-intensity exercise works to reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces fat storage and often produces chiselled abs and rippling pecs. Working out, however, isn’t enough. You need to go further upstream to combine a great workout program with a diet aimed at reducing inflammation. Reductions in inflammation can result in increased performance but can also help people suffering from depression, Alzheimer’s and a host of other afflictions.

Speaking shortly after his live webcast to the CrossFit community, Dr. Sears explains that he’s moved beyond invasive blood tests to develop a urine test that measures levels of inflammation. His goal: producing hard data and finding the best ways to prevent inflammation and improve health.

Source:  CrossFit Journal Dec 2009