Unravelling a new genetic approach to fitness.
Have you ever wondered why you have such a strong reaction to a single cup of coffee while your friend can sip mocha all day and not so much as twitch? Or why the latest ‘on-trend’ diet just doesn’t work for you? You’re not alone. We all have a distinct body makeup and our reaction to different stimulants, foods, and fitness regimes is just as unique as we are. It seems our individual response to fitness may be locked within our DNA – and there are a number of companies offering to unlock the fitness secrets of your genes for a fee.
That’s right. A few years ago, DNA testing was something reserved for criminal investigation and medical research. These days, it is a multimillion-pound business and you can buy a range of home DNA testing kit to learn about everything from your ancestry and predisposition to genetic diseases to personalised fitness and skincare insights.
But what could a fitness DNA test tell you that is going to have any real impact on your life (and fitness regime)?
There are a range of DNA Fitness tests on the market today, and you should expect to pay around £150 for the pleasure of providing a saliva swab or blood sample to a provider for analysis. The results are likely to include a complex web of information, including your preference for endurance or power sports, your reaction to key food groups, like carbohydrates, and stimulants like alcohol, alongside your predisposition to lack key vitamins or minerals.
It’s certainly a tempting proposition for people who are committed to keeping their body healthy, it feels a bit like being able to peek behind the curtain on how your body works. But many scientists have questioned the value of this ‘consumer’ genetic testing, and there have been reports of different providers interpreting the same results in dramatically different ways.
In a report in The Telegraph, Mark Thomas, Professor of Evolutionary Science at University College London, said:
“There are performance differences that are genetically determined and there will be a point when we know more, but now, these tests are only weakly informative. If you want to know how good someone is likely to be at sport, you’ll probably get a better idea by looking at them and their body shape.”
‘Weakly informative’ is hardly glowing praise for these tests that are an expensive way to obtain a snapshot of your genetic fitness profile. So, is it for you? Should you rush out and buy a fitness DNA test today?
The truth is, a fitness DNA test is probably not the key to unlocking the fitness secrets of your body. It can be a fun and interesting way to consider how you can highly personalise your workout routine and diet, but it’s not a necessary step on the path to your healthiest you. For most of us, it’s simple as eating less, eating better, and moving more. It may not be as trendy as genetic testing but it may be more effective!
If you’re looking for a way to invest in your fitness then why not visit us at FitFusion PT? Our friendly and knowledgable team provide personalised fitness support and guidance – and there’s not a saliva swab in sight! From personal training to group classes, we can help you unlock your fitness superpower. I’ll be back in your inbox next week, until then – stay amazing.
