THIS ONE GETS TOSSED AROUND a lot. A Genetics are a
favorite scapegoat for people who can't build enough muscle or
lose enough fat. But what are they, exactly, and how much do
they actually influence your results?
The word genetics comes from a Greek word meaning
"origin," and it refers to the molecular structure and function of
our genes. Genes are molecules in our DNA that provide
instructions for the creation of special types of proteins that then
tell each of our cells what to do, such as build muscle, make
bone, carry nerve signals, and so forth.
While our bodies all contain the same types of genes, our
programming is different. For instance, the cells that form my iris
were programmed to be a certain shade of blue, whereas yours
were programmed to be a different shade, or a different color
altogether. This variability in programming applies to every
physiological activity in our bodies.
So yes, your genes determine things like which muscle
groups tend to be your strong points, your natural hormone
levels, how much fat you tend to hold on your body, and where
you tend to store it, but they don't alter the basic physiological
favorite scapegoat for people who can't build enough muscle or
lose enough fat. But what are they, exactly, and how much do
they actually influence your results?
The word genetics comes from a Greek word meaning
"origin," and it refers to the molecular structure and function of
our genes. Genes are molecules in our DNA that provide
instructions for the creation of special types of proteins that then
tell each of our cells what to do, such as build muscle, make
bone, carry nerve signals, and so forth.
While our bodies all contain the same types of genes, our
programming is different. For instance, the cells that form my iris
were programmed to be a certain shade of blue, whereas yours
were programmed to be a different shade, or a different color
altogether. This variability in programming applies to every
physiological activity in our bodies.
So yes, your genes determine things like which muscle
groups tend to be your strong points, your natural hormone
levels, how much fat you tend to hold on your body, and where
you tend to store it, but they don't alter the basic physiological
***********************
processes by which your body builds muscle or loses fat. So
long as you don't have a disease directly impairing these
functions, you can get into amazing shape if you know what
you're doing. Period.
I've helped quite a few hardgainers to gain 30,40, and even
50 pounds in 1-2 years of training and eating correctly (and with
no drugs). I've helped scores of men and women who were
convinced that they were genetically programmed to be fat get
in the best shape of their lives by targeting and changing the
many little things they were doing wrong.
If you're afraid that your body is genetically destined to be
small, weak, or fat, you can lay those fears to rest. Your body
contains the same genetic programs as mine that result in
muscle growth and fat loss. In fact, your body might be able to
do certain functions relating to these things better than mine. If
I've made better progress than you with my physique, it's only
because I have a better understanding of how to kick those
programs into gear—that is, I know more about proper training,
eating, and resting. That's it.
Now, genetics can make parts of the process easier or
harder. Some people have naturally high testosterone and
growth hormone levels, which means faster muscle growth and
an overall leaner physique. Some people's bodies mobilize fat
stores more effectively than others, making weight loss an
easier endeavor. Genetics also play a role in the shape of your
muscles. Not all guys can have that perfect square chest or
ridiculous bicep peak, and not all women can have a gravity-
defying, perfectly round butt.
But none of these things are limitations. Who cares if you
gain muscle or lose fat more slowly than someone else? As long
as you can see regular improvements and get to where you
want to be, the added time is irrelevant. Regardless of the
long as you don't have a disease directly impairing these
functions, you can get into amazing shape if you know what
you're doing. Period.
I've helped quite a few hardgainers to gain 30,40, and even
50 pounds in 1-2 years of training and eating correctly (and with
no drugs). I've helped scores of men and women who were
convinced that they were genetically programmed to be fat get
in the best shape of their lives by targeting and changing the
many little things they were doing wrong.
If you're afraid that your body is genetically destined to be
small, weak, or fat, you can lay those fears to rest. Your body
contains the same genetic programs as mine that result in
muscle growth and fat loss. In fact, your body might be able to
do certain functions relating to these things better than mine. If
I've made better progress than you with my physique, it's only
because I have a better understanding of how to kick those
programs into gear—that is, I know more about proper training,
eating, and resting. That's it.
Now, genetics can make parts of the process easier or
harder. Some people have naturally high testosterone and
growth hormone levels, which means faster muscle growth and
an overall leaner physique. Some people's bodies mobilize fat
stores more effectively than others, making weight loss an
easier endeavor. Genetics also play a role in the shape of your
muscles. Not all guys can have that perfect square chest or
ridiculous bicep peak, and not all women can have a gravity-
defying, perfectly round butt.
But none of these things are limitations. Who cares if you
gain muscle or lose fat more slowly than someone else? As long
as you can see regular improvements and get to where you
want to be, the added time is irrelevant. Regardless of the
"quality" of your muscle -building and fat -burning genetic
programming, you can build the body of your dreams in a matter
of a few years and maintain it for the rest of your life.
And it's no big deal if you can't have the same aesthetics as
your favorite fitness cover model. You can still look awesome
and, more importantly, feel great, and that's what its all about.
programming, you can build the body of your dreams in a matter
of a few years and maintain it for the rest of your life.
And it's no big deal if you can't have the same aesthetics as
your favorite fitness cover model. You can still look awesome
and, more importantly, feel great, and that's what its all about.
