Some DNA testing companies offer or include training recommendations based on your genes.
It’s not as valuable as you might think (or as they’d like you to believe).
Here’s why…
The body has a tremendous ability to adapt. That is what it is designed to do, and the entire reason we train in the first place. If we couldn’t adapt to the stimuli created by our training, there would be no point.
While your genes may give you a predisposition to certain characteristics (better lactate clearance or higher percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers) does not mean that you should only train one way all the time.
I’m pretty sure you already knew that though 😉
If someone doesn’t have the best genes for endurance work or mitochondrial energy does that mean they should only do low rep strength training? Of course not!
Because our bodies have the ability to adapt means that we can use our strengths but also improve areas that may not come “naturally” to us. You absolutely can improve aerobic capacity, mitochondrial efficiency, strength, muscle mass, and a number of other aspects of physical fitness by following the right plan.
Don’t limit your toolbox because your DNA doesn’t look like a gifted Olympic athlete.
Regardless of your genetics, you can improve yourself with time, effort, and a well designed plan. That is what we focus on here at N1. Making the best of the individual and fitting exercises, nutrition, and workouts to what they need to improve.