![\"andy](\"https:\/\/dnaistheway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/andy-murray-300x300.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSo Is athletic performance encoded in your DNA? It certainly looks that way with Andy Murray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although family history and support certainly seemed to play a part in his rise to success, his family also supported him in many other ways. Murray\u2019s<\/a> genetic dispositions make him excel at tennis, which he inherited biologically from his parents even before he was born!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genes<\/a> are units of inheritance passed from generation to generation. Genes have encoded biological information that determines our physical traits and our bodily processes. They control various biological aspects of our lives, starting from eye color to earlobes to the ability to process lactose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genes are sections stored in our DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), which in turn in stored in our body cells. A copy of DNA contains all the necessary genes, and they appear in the form of strands, hence gives us a double stranded DNA test just another term for DNA Helix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DNA of two different people are never the same. Not even twins have the same exact DNA. Your DNA is what makes you different from everyone else and makes you – you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The genes present in our DNA, and hence our cells, are essential because they provide information to make proteins in our body. However, often, genes can mutate and cause variations, which are called polymorphisms. These variations explain why some people are unable to digest gluten or are more susceptible to diabetes. These polymorphisms in genes can also explain why Andy Murray is so magnificent in tennis, or why some athletes can effortlessly run long distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, yes, it is! Scientific research has discovered several genes that can reflect your athletic prowess and skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DNA testing reveals that individuals either have a power or endurance bias, which determines if they are more-suited for high-intensity sports such as sprints or more endurance-dependent ones like marathons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this bias does not suggest that you would be better in one form of sport than the other. Instead, it gives you information on the likelihood of your body to adapt and respond well to these forms of sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many genes are directly associated with the skills of power athletes. One of the most common studies in genes for athletics is the ACE gene, which is responsible for the production of enzymes in cells that control our blood flow and blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conduction of numerous studies shows the presence of the D allele in the ACE gene is more common in sprinters and short-distance swimmers in Europe. The conclusion was that the presence of D allele strengthened the muscles of athletes, and enhanced their anaerobic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ACTN3 gene is a gene that is responsible for encoding a protein found in type 2 muscle fibers, and also has been closely linked with athletic performances. This gene is responsible for encoding proteins that allow for rapid, forceful muscle contractions \u2013 which can be important for power sports like sprinting and swimming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies have found an association of the absence of the XX genotype of the ACTN3 gene with better athletic performances in sports such as sprinting, track-and-field, and soccer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genes dominate the field of endurance sports as well. Much like how the D allele of the ACE gene can enhance power sports, the presence of the I allele, its counterpart, can play a vital role in endurance sports. The presence of I allele means a reduction in ACE activity, allowing for better respiration and oxygen levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, the PPARGC1A gene also plays a role in endurance training, being responsible for the production of mitochondria in muscle cells, which are the primary source of energy, and respiration in cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Analyzing and understanding your DNA profile is essential, and it can help you reinforce your athletic abilities in several ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See 65 Super Interesting Facts About DNA<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, DNA testing will reveal whether your DNA has a power or endurance bias, which can provide you valuable information on your adaptability to do different sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The knowledge you obtain will also help you plan your fitness and exercise schedule, nutrition plan, and lifestyle \u2013 all of which are also crucial to perform at any sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re DNA indicated that you lean strongly towards power sports, you can train yourself through high-intensity training programs such as substantial weight lifting programs such as deadlifts and bench presses, which help in rejuvenating your cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Power training can also include exercise circuits that include pushups, squats, lunges, and burpees, which work up various sectors of your muscular system, strengthens your balance and improves your physical coordination. You can do short laps of sprinting and swimming, which will help with fresher blood flow and better aerobic capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, a strong endurance bias in your DNA will mean that you would be much more suited to low-intensity related sports that take place over a more extended period. These can include time-oriented sports such as soccer or basketball, or endurance-oriented ones such as rowing and triathlons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training for endurance sports can include running, cycling, or even yoga! Running improves the cardiovascular system and strengthens your muscles, whereas cycling is vital to the development of stamina. To complement both, add in a little bit of yoga \u2013 that can bring in flexibility to your body and harmony to your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Do Genes Matter And What Are They?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"your](\"https:\/\/dnaistheway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/you-dna-knows-300x300.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIs Athletic Performance Encoded in Your DNA?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/dnaistheway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sprinter-300x300.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nEndurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What This Means for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"scientist](\"https:\/\/dnaistheway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/man-with-helix-300x300.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWeight Lifting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Soccer And Basketball<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/dnaistheway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/yoga-300x300.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n