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Genes have a profound effect on our exercise performance as well as propensity to injury. Any fitness folk who regularly hits the gym & indulges in all forms of exercises- weight training, cardio, elliptical & HIIT must have questioned physical/exercise results as compared to perceived effort. Why do I still get out of breath while climbing stairs. Why is my BMI rating only average?
Lack of time, boredom, injury & poor results are frequent reasons for not indulging in a regular workout schedule. Infact success in overcoming lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases are dependent upon eliminating these barriers & indulging in regular physical activity & exercise.
Getting positive results in return to the effort we put in provides us a lot of motivation to indulge in such physical movements consistently. However as discussed in our earlier blogs- a standard solution does not fit all & specific form of exercises does not impact all of us in the same way. Our genes & genetic code helps us determine what form of exercise would align with our fitness goals & body type. Scientists are also uncovering a range of genetic influences in overall exercise performance & response.
Our body has numerous genes having association with a range of measures which includes( but not limited to) insulin sensitivity, muscle strength, muscle fibre type, gluten tolerance, lactose tolerance & Poly unsaturated fats level.
A study has shown that RNA profiling with single gene DNA marker association analysis can help identify at molecular level which individuals are likely to show improvement in aerobic capacity as a result of endurance training( steady training) as compared to resistance/weight training (training extended over a period of time).
As a matter of fact, genetically linked variations can happen to our body when performing some specific category of exercises. In fact, our ability to stay motivated also depends upon our genetic composition.
Besides, injury which can halt even our regular exercise schedule is also dependent on genes linkage to propensity for soft tissue injury.
Key takeaway
So the question arises- should genetic testing take precedence in personalised approaches to maintain our health & fitness level? Although, there is proven study that single genes have 40% to 50% influence on our exercise, your exercise & fitness level has largely to do with interplay between genes, lifestyle & environmental factors.
Genetic testing plays an important role for both sportspersons & those indulging in regular workout. Performance athletes are advised to include genetic factors into their health risk assessment model since genetic study can help you screen potential rare forms of cardiac diseases.
For others genetic coding & gene testing are important to keep you motivated, away from injury, maintain current fitness level & engage in range of various physical activities, workout & sports.
In association & partnership with Mapmygenome, Passion for Fitness is offering genomics powered curated online fitness solutions which will help you get workout & nutrition aligned with your gene study. The program will also provide you insight into your immunity & genetic predisposition to specific health conditions. Give your body another chance. Sign up for our program here: https://thesushantkumar.com/online-fitness-coaching/.
