the role of genetics in training

I teach fitness classes. The strong women who regularly “Sweat with Sally,” come from varied backgrounds and range in ages between 40 and 70 (that’s not counting the youngsters who show up from time to time). We all have slightly differing motivation, but come together with the generally common goal to sustain and improve our overall health and strength. We each take something different away from the class for a few reasons. Consider: Each Monday, we do loaded movement training of upper body and arms. The same exercises that make Kim’s biceps achy may affect Robin’s front deltoids more than her biceps. Why? Partly because Kim’s body and Robin’s body have different strengths and different needs. Exercise response is dependent upon several factors. The level of exertion and the proper (or improper) form of the body during a workout, affects exercise response. Speed and load are variables that come into play. Age, gender and build are all influences that make a difference in the effects of a particular exercise on the body. I always hate to say it, but there are just some people genetically engineered to respond quickly to exercise, while some of us have bodies genetically geared to respond more slowly to the same workout. There’ve been numerous studies in recent years with findings supporting this long-suspected truth. Fitness, including weight loss, has genetic foundations, making it much easier for some of us to get fit than for others. The fact of the matter is very simply, that we are all different and will each take away differing benefits from the same exercise program. So, don’t kick yourself if you’ve been hitting the weights like your buddy and don’t seem to be getting the results you hoped for while he, on the other hand, just gets close to the weights and he bulks up. Remember, too, that big doesn’t always mean stronger. Some bodies are stronger than others, but not necessarily as muscular in appearance. The same thing holds for aerobic conditioning. Any given two people may not accomplish similar gains in a specified training program. Thank your genetic contributors for it. (Be aware of it when choosing the person who will contribute genetic material to your own children, too… unless it’s too late!) Do be grateful to your parents for their contribution. Don’t get discouraged and don’t be too proud. What you started with, wasn’t up to you. What you do with what you have IS completely up to you. How you grow and develop as a person depends on your effort, attitude and determination over time. No matter what others seem to be or what they think, what you take away from it is up to you. That’s how it’s supposed to be.

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