Despite all the advice of getting plenty of rest, eating right and doing some exercise, fitness is often defined by DNA and genes. This idea is not as crazy as it sounds. Why do some people respond fantastically to aerobic exercises or long-distance running, while others can exert the same amount of time and effort only to see virtually no results whatsoever?
By the same token, why do some people excel at power lifting and other strength exercise routines, while other wannabe bodybuilders take all the supplements, spend time at the gym, yet notice nothing but an expanding waistline and measly biceps?
Research points towards specific genetic markers within the genome that play a previously unknown role in everyone's fitness capabilities. Through testing and gene mapping, gains are being made in identifying which genes play roles in characteristics such as weight gain, stamina, power performance, fat burning ability, etc.
Here are a few examples of genes that play a role in everyone's physical fitness:
1) FTO - The FTO gene has been shown to help determine weight loss propensity, especially in regards to how much exercise one needs in order to stay at a healthy weight. Other factors weight loss factors such as appetite regulation are also influenced.
2) ADRB3 - ADRB3 controls energy metabolism and regulates abdominal and subcutaneous body fat levels. This gene also plays a role in how much exercise one needs in order to stay physically healthy.
3) ACTN3 - ACTN3 helps govern muscle fiber formation and plays a major role in how the body both performs during athletic performance and responds to strength training. This gene in particular helps determine whether one will be better at endurance activities, such as running, or strength building exercises.
4) ADRB2 - ADRB2 is a marker which specifically determines efficiently one mobilizes and converts body fat into energy during physical activity. This marker also plays a role in regards to stamina as well.
5) eNOS - eNOS helps the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a key mediator of vasodilation and facilitates muscle oxygenation during exertion. In plain speak, this gene helps provide muscles the energy and oxygen they need when they need to exert maximum effort, for example during weight lifting.
What becomes apparent is that specific fitness metrics, such as stamina, power exertion, fat burning, etc. are nearly entirely out of one's control. One cannot easily change the very building blocks they are composed of, which is what DNA is to every life form.
By understanding how these various traits are controlled by specific genes, one can find out exactly how to maximize health and fitness goals by working with them, rather than against them. Olympians, for example, understand that in order to become the best possible athletes they need to maximize those strengths they already possess. Champion swimmers do not suddenly begin training for track and field.
For regular people, learning about one's fitness genome markers provides the opportunity to maximize their own natural-born, physical potential and cut down on time and effort in doing so by focusing on what the body literally does best. DNA testing technology has reached this point of revelation and will likely lead to a new wave of physical fitness adoption and refinement.
To learn more, go to http://www.dnaspectrum.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Tisch
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