How cool is to better understand what are you genetically predisposed to and to be able to make proper adjustments to your lifestyle. In my previous blog about my new DNA Wellness Service I wrote about how I came with the idea for Personal Training based on clients' genetics and how I chose to work with FitnessGenes. In this blog I'll describe shortly the company and the process of testing and also will talk about my personal DNA results.
Fitness Genes is a UK based company founded by three doctors. The company offers genetic evaluation of over 42 gene types from a saliva sample. The goal is to help people understand their genetic makeup in terms of fitness and nutrition.
The company offers number of options for online training and nutrition counseling in form of packages with the DNA testing. Since I wanted to see what the basic report would look like I ordered just the test kit for $199.
The company does not offer (one on one) Personal Training - that is why I have opened my DNA Personal Fitness and DNA Personal Nutrition services for my clients in Cincinnati.
My test kit arrived in 3 days (rather quickly). The instructions were on the package were straightforward and it took me under 10 minutes to collect my saliva sample, package up and ship it back to Fitness Genes for testing. I got an email stating they had received my sample and that I could expect results in 3-4 weeks. As promised I received another email in about 4 weeks that my test results were ready for review at FitnessGenes.com
Fitness Genes is a UK based company founded by three doctors. The company offers genetic evaluation of over 42 gene types from a saliva sample. The goal is to help people understand their genetic makeup in terms of fitness and nutrition.
The company offers number of options for online training and nutrition counseling in form of packages with the DNA testing. Since I wanted to see what the basic report would look like I ordered just the test kit for $199.
The company does not offer (one on one) Personal Training - that is why I have opened my DNA Personal Fitness and DNA Personal Nutrition services for my clients in Cincinnati.
My test kit arrived in 3 days (rather quickly). The instructions were on the package were straightforward and it took me under 10 minutes to collect my saliva sample, package up and ship it back to Fitness Genes for testing. I got an email stating they had received my sample and that I could expect results in 3-4 weeks. As promised I received another email in about 4 weeks that my test results were ready for review at FitnessGenes.com
Every tested gene has a short description and explanation for it's relation to fitness/nutrition. In this blog I will cover only the first gene of that list:
ACE – Endurance
This gene is commonly referred to as the performance / endurance gene, it manages the activation of the angiotensin hormone which regulates blood flow in muscle tissue. There are three genotypes associated to this gene; II, ID, and DD
Studies have shown that those individuals with an “I” type tend to have improved endurance capabilities over those with the “D” type. Two “D” types are typically predisposed to strength and power athletes. Research isn’t entirely clear why “I” types have improved endurance oriented muscular efficiency, it might be related to an increase in slow twitch fibers or raised levels of nitric oxide which would improve mitochondrial respiration.
My result: II
My gene type indicates that I have strong endurance oriented performance with two “I” types. This gene type is typically found in elite distance swimmers, runners, rowers, and cyclists. This also correlates to my CKM (Muscle Energy) genotype - I'll cover it in another blog. From a personal perspective I am not a big fan of a long endurance efforts, but I had noticed how easy is for me when I choose to push trough and accomplish a long activity. Last week I took a swimming challenge - Cross The English Chanel and I really enjoyed swimming non stop and covering the 21 miles distance in 6 days with a longest swim of 7000 yards.
ACE – Endurance
This gene is commonly referred to as the performance / endurance gene, it manages the activation of the angiotensin hormone which regulates blood flow in muscle tissue. There are three genotypes associated to this gene; II, ID, and DD
Studies have shown that those individuals with an “I” type tend to have improved endurance capabilities over those with the “D” type. Two “D” types are typically predisposed to strength and power athletes. Research isn’t entirely clear why “I” types have improved endurance oriented muscular efficiency, it might be related to an increase in slow twitch fibers or raised levels of nitric oxide which would improve mitochondrial respiration.
My result: II
My gene type indicates that I have strong endurance oriented performance with two “I” types. This gene type is typically found in elite distance swimmers, runners, rowers, and cyclists. This also correlates to my CKM (Muscle Energy) genotype - I'll cover it in another blog. From a personal perspective I am not a big fan of a long endurance efforts, but I had noticed how easy is for me when I choose to push trough and accomplish a long activity. Last week I took a swimming challenge - Cross The English Chanel and I really enjoyed swimming non stop and covering the 21 miles distance in 6 days with a longest swim of 7000 yards.
Understanding your own genetics is a process that just begins when you open your DNA results. I can see already how knowing your genetics can help us making better lifestyle choices. As a trainer I am excited to turn all this knew knowledge in to designing the best and most personalized workout plans and nutritional programs yet. What makes this process so appealing for me is the growing body of researches and studies confirming the significance of our DNA in our every day life and choices. Using DNA results for improving fitness is a cutting edge area where some of the interpretations still would be made based on trainer's intuition, experience and background. I often feel like a composer while putting together and taking under consideration all bits of known information about person's DNA and environmental factors.
Stay tuned for my next blog about ACTN3 - The gene for speed
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