Last weekend, the Broken Science Initiative unveiled its new certification program, MetFix, which aims to empower coaches and gym owners to prioritize nutrition in the fight against obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Emily Kaplan, MetFix’s co-founder and CEO, described this initiative as a modern evolution of Greg Glassman’s original ideas, stating, “It has been 20 years. It’s about time.”
After stepping down as CEO and selling CrossFit, Greg Glassman initiated the Broken Science Initiative to provide tools for individuals to help protect themselves from the pitfalls of modern medicine and pseudoscientific practices.
What MetFix Offers
MetFix is designed to mirror CrossFit’s affiliate model, with a distinctive emphasis on nutrition as the key element of health rather than solely fitness. The certification will include a two-day in-person course, aptly named MetFix Foundations, expected to launch at the end of this year.
The inaugural MetFix course will be invite-only, with the initial 100 attendees being coaches selected by Kaplan and Glassman. This first cohort will serve as beta testers for the program, providing feedback to refine the course. Once certified, these coaches will receive two invitations to pass along to other interested coaches, creating a rapidly expanding network.
Dual Affiliation Possibilities
Participants who complete the training will qualify as MetFix coaches, while gyms can choose to become MetFix affiliates without losing their CrossFit affiliation. Kaplan emphasized that there’s no inherent conflict between being involved in both realms, stating, “I don’t feel any conflict in somebody being both.”
Empowering Coaches for Health Transformation
The overarching objective of MetFix is to equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence necessary to facilitate positive changes in their clients’ health. Kaplan expressed her vision for these coaches to be seen as healthcare professionals rather than merely fitness trainers, underscoring the importance of educational empowerment in achieving lasting health improvements.
“We’re going to do that because we’re going to arm people with the knowledge,” Kaplan added, outlining her belief in the value of informed coaching.
Background on Greg Glassman and Timing of MetFix
Greg Glassman’s decision to launch MetFix coincides with the expiration of a four-year non-compete agreement that followed his departure from CrossFit in 2020. This timing positions MetFix to make significant strides in the nutrition coaching space, tapping into the foundational knowledge Glassman developed during his early years with CrossFit.
Insights from Emily Kaplan
Kaplan discussed the potential of MetFix in a Q&A, clarifying that it isn’t meant to compete with CrossFit but rather to address gaps that the organization has not fully explored, particularly in nutrition coaching. She acknowledged the challenges of integrating nutrition into fitness coaching, noting that while people can quickly feel the benefits of movement, the positive effects of good nutrition often take longer to manifest.
In addressing the hurdles coaches face in prompting dietary changes, Kaplan highlighted the importance of comprehensive education on nutritional principles. “This isn’t about getting your bikini body. This is about your long-term health,” she explained, emphasizing that understanding the science behind nutrition can empower coaches to make a lasting impact on their clients’ lifestyles.
With rising concerns about chronic illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, Kaplan expressed optimism about educating individuals on the longer-term consequences of their dietary choices. She stated, “When you say, ‘When you eat that stuff, that’s how you get these diseases…then you need to avoid these things,’ it’s that simple.”
Kaplan also addressed the psychological aspects of nutrition, acknowledging that food addiction can complicate dietary changes. She and Glassman recognize that sugar can be an addictive substance, and while the process of changing eating habits can be challenging, their focus remains on promoting sustained health over quick fixes.
