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Are You A Born Gymnast Or A Born Runner?
A Critical Turning Point
Years ago, I found myself rushing one of my neighbors to the hospital after he experienced a dangerously high blood sugar level of over 400 that wouldn’t come down despite insulin shots. Upon arrival, the casualty doctor quickly assessed him with an ECG and, within moments, pulled me aside to deliver some alarming news: “Your friend is experiencing severe cardiac failure.”
The situation was dire, but fortunately, we arrived just in time. The doctor explained that the high blood sugar was likely a defensive response to the cardiac crisis. Within a week, my friend was out of the CCU and on the road to recovery. During a follow-up visit, the cardiologist inquired about his exercise routine.
The Importance Of Exercise
The cardiologist discovered that my friend had difficulty walking up inclines and, as a result, had avoided exercise altogether. The doctor’s advice was simple yet profound: “You weren’t comfortable with walking or running, but you could have easily incorporated yoga or resistance training into your routine.” Taking this advice to heart, my friend embraced yoga and, to everyone’s surprise, mastered it within a couple of years.
This personal anecdote aligns with recent research findings, emphasizing the critical role that genetic predispositions play in determining the types of exercise that suit us best.
Genetic Influences On Exercise
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki sheds light on this topic. The study analyzed 15 common exercises and fitness tests, revealing that some exercises are strongly influenced by genetics, while others are more adaptable through training.
Aerobic exercises, such as 12-minute walks or runs, and flexibility exercises like yoga, were found to be highly influenced by genetic factors. Conversely, resistance exercises—such as glute bridges, curl-ups, and push-ups—showed minimal genetic influence, making them more adaptable through training.
Moreover, the study indicated that different types of exercises might be supported by different genetic factors. In other words, some individuals are naturally inclined toward running, while others may have a predisposition for activities requiring flexibility and balance.
Research Illuminates The Connection
A recent study from the University of Melbourne sheds light on this complex interplay between physical and mental health. The study discovered that seven organ systems, the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system, musculoskeletal system, and metabolism, can significantly impact mental health. This isn't surprising when you consider that the brain, our organ of cognition, is intricately connected to these systems.
The research found that the musculoskeletal and immune systems had a particularly strong impact on mental conditions like anxiety and depression. This relationship is bidirectional, creating a vicious cycle where physical issues exacerbate mental health problems, and vice versa.
In the case of my colleague’s mother, the RA and associated musculoskeletal problems contributed to her mental health decline, illustrating how physical and mental health issues can be deeply interconnected.
Personalized Fitness Solutions
This research reinforces the idea that understanding your genetic profile can help in selecting the most effective and enjoyable exercise routines. At our health-tech startup, Vieroots, we leverage this knowledge in our personalized Human Performance Optimization (HPO) solutions, such as Optimize My Heart, Optimize My Weight, Optimize My Age, and EPLIMO. These programs analyze your genetic predispositions to recommend exercises and lifestyle changes tailored specifically to your needs.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re a born runner or a natural gymnast, understanding your genetic makeup can enhance your fitness journey and overall well-being. By incorporating personalized recommendations based on your genetic profile, you can choose exercises that align with your natural inclinations and achieve better results.
For more information on how our HPO programs can support your health journey, visit Vieroots.com.
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