Testing your Genes For Sports & Fitness

Every person is built differently. Some people find they build muscle quickly, while others seem naturally suited to endurance, balance or recovery. These differences are not random. They are partly written into our DNA.

A sports performance genetic test analyses specific regions of DNA to reveal how your body responds to physical activity, nutrition and recovery. It looks at genes related to muscle composition, energy use, oxygen delivery, injury risk and even motivation. Understanding these patterns helps you tailor your training and lifestyle to your biology instead of following a single approach that may not fit you.

The Science Behind Performance

Human performance is a combination of genetics, physiology and environment. While training and discipline are essential, your genes form the foundation that determines how your body adapts to exercise.

Every cell in your body contains DNA, a long molecule made of four chemical bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine. These bases pair in specific ways to form your genetic code. Short sections of this code are called genes. Each gene provides the instructions for making a specific protein, and these proteins control nearly every process in your body. They influence how your muscles contract, how energy is generated and how tissues recover after exercise.

Sometimes, small changes occur in a gene’s sequence. These are called variants or polymorphisms. Variants may slightly alter how a protein functions. These differences are what make some people naturally faster, stronger or more fatigue-resistant than others.

How Genes Influence Exercise Response

Different combinations of gene variants affect how the body performs during exercise. Each of these genes contributes a small part to overall performance. The complete picture comes from how they work together in your unique genetic code.

🚩 ACTN3 Gene

The ACTN3 gene is one of the most studied in sports genetics. It influences fast-twitch muscle fibres, which are responsible for speed and power. People with certain forms of this gene tend to have more of these fibres and may excel in sprinting, weightlifting or explosive movements. Others with different forms may perform better in endurance sports.

🚩 ACE Gene

The ACE gene affects blood flow and oxygen delivery during exercise. Some variants are associated with endurance and stamina, while others are linked to greater strength and power.

🚩 PPARGC1A Gene

The PPARGC1A gene influences mitochondrial activity. Mitochondria are the tiny structures inside cells that convert nutrients into energy. People with specific variants may have more efficient energy production and better endurance.

🚩 VEGFA gene

The VEGFA gene controls the formation of new blood vessels, helping deliver oxygen to working muscles. Certain versions can enhance aerobic performance and recovery.

🚩 COL5A1 and COL1A1 genes

Genes such as COL5A1 and COL1A1 are responsible for the structure of collagen, the main component of tendons and ligaments. Some variants may increase the risk of injury, while others are linked to better flexibility and joint strength.

🚩 IL6 and TNF Genes

Inflammatory genes like IL6 and TNF influence how your body manages recovery and inflammation after intense activity. People with highly active variants may experience more soreness or longer recovery periods.

🚩 BDNF Gene

BDNF, short for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, influences motivation, learning and focus. Its activity may affect how easily you build new motor skills or adapt to competitive pressure.

Understanding Key Genetic Terms

Genotype

Phenotype

Single nucleotide polymorphism

Mitochondria

Muscle fibres

Epigenetics

Genotype

Your genotype refers to the complete set of genes that form the foundation of your biology. Each gene can have different versions, called alleles, which you inherit from your parents. These alleles influence how your body builds strength, processes nutrients, and adapts to external factors. Your genotype acts as the underlying code that defines how these processes are programmed.

Phenotype

Your phenotype is how your genes express themselves in real life. It reflects the interaction between your DNA, lifestyle, and environment. While your genotype provides the potential, your phenotype shows the outcome, such as your energy levels, endurance, or metabolic efficiency.

Single nucleotide polymorphism

An SNP, pronounced snip, is a tiny variation in a single letter of your DNA sequence. These subtle differences are what make each person biologically distinct. Some SNPs can influence nutrient absorption, inflammation, or how your body reacts to physical stress, giving valuable insight into your personal biology.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the power centres of your cells, converting food into usable energy. Their performance determines how efficiently your body produces energy and recovers after activity. Variations in mitochondrial genes can influence stamina, energy levels, and resistance to fatigue.

Muscle fibres

Muscle fibres are specialised cells that determine your physical performance. Fast-twitch fibres support explosive strength and speed, while slow-twitch fibres sustain endurance. Your genetic profile influences this balance, explaining why some bodies naturally adapt to strength training while others excel in endurance activities.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics explores how lifestyle and environment can influence how your genes function. Factors such as diet, sleep, and stress can alter the way genes are activated or silenced, without changing the DNA itself. It shows that biology is dynamic and responsive to the choices you make every day.

The Role of Metabolism and Nutrition

Your metabolism describes how your body converts food into energy. It involves complex interactions between carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and your genes play a significant role in this process.

Some people perform better with higher carbohydrate intake, while others thrive on diets with more protein or healthy fats. Knowing how your body processes nutrients allows you to fuel yourself more effectively.

PPARA and CPT1B affect how efficiently your body uses fat as an energy source during exercise. Variants in these genes can influence endurance and recovery. Genes like FTO and ADRB2 affect how easily your body stores or burns fat, shaping your body’s response to different diets.

Other genes, such as MTHFR, SOD2 and GSTT1, affect how your body uses B vitamins and antioxidants that are vital for cellular energy and muscle repair. Understanding these patterns helps tailor nutrition to your personal metabolism.

A detailed 3D visualisation of mitochondria inside a human cell.

Injury Risk, Recovery and Adaptation

Your ability to recover from training or injury also has a genetic component. Collagen-related genes like COL5A1 and COL3A1 affect tissue strength. Variants in GDF5 influence joint cartilage and mobility.

Inflammatory genes such as IL1B and TNF determine how strongly your immune system reacts after exercise. A strong inflammatory response is necessary for healing but can delay recovery if excessive. Balancing training load and recovery is key.

Understanding your genetic makeup helps you adjust your training and rest days to reduce injury risk and improve recovery.

Sports Performance Test

£495.00

This advanced at-home DNA test is designed for athletes, gym-goers, and performance-driven individuals who want to understand their body at a deeper level.

Using cutting-edge whole genome sequencing, the test analyses genetic traits related to endurance, muscle strength, power output, recovery speed, injury risk, and metabolic performance. It also provides insights into how your body processes nutrients and responds to different types of training.

Whether your goal is to enhance performance, prevent injury, or personalise your fitness and nutrition strategy, this test delivers actionable, science-based insights tailored to your unique genetic makeup.

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Yes, Genes Even Affect Your Motivation

Performance depends on mental as well as physical factors. Genes such as COMT and DRD2 influence dopamine levels, which affect focus, drive and motivation. Some people naturally respond well to competition, while others perform better in calm environments.

The SLC6A4 gene affects serotonin regulation and can influence mood and stress resilience. Variants in ADRB2 affect how your body responds to adrenaline, shaping how you handle physical and psychological stress.

Recognising these patterns helps you approach mental training and focus in ways that work best for your temperament.

Who Can Benefit from Sports Performance Genetics?

Sports genetics is not limited to elite athletes. Anyone who exercises or seeks to understand their body better can benefit. Genetic insights can guide beginners to train safely, help experienced athletes refine their performance and assist people recovering from injury to rebuild strength more effectively.

Genetic insights extend beyond performance, revealing how your body maintains balance, repairs itself, and adapts over time. This deeper understanding supports informed decisions that enhance resilience and optimise biological function throughout life.

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How to Interpret Genetic Insights

Genetic results are a guide, not a rule. They reveal tendencies and strengths but do not determine destiny. A person with a genetic advantage for endurance may still build strength through training, just as someone with natural power can improve stamina.

The most effective use of this information comes from combining it with professional guidance, consistent training and healthy lifestyle habits. Genes open a window into how your body works, but behaviour and mindset define how that potential is realised.

Genetics and the Environment

Genes create the blueprint, but the environment shapes the outcome. Training intensity, recovery, sleep, stress and nutrition all interact with genetic tendencies. This relationship is called gene-environment interaction.

Someone with excellent endurance genetics may still underperform without proper training, while another person with less ideal variants may reach exceptional fitness through discipline and structure. Your effort activates your potential.

How We Test

We use the most advanced technology in human history, Whole Genome Sequencing.

By decoding your complete genetic blueprint, we can uncover the keys to your health, vitality, and longevity.

Ethical and Scientific Perspective

Sports genetics provides valuable knowledge, but it must be interpreted with care. It is not meant to label or limit anyone. Instead, it highlights how diverse human performance truly is.

Genetic information should be viewed as educational and empowering. It helps individuals make informed choices about training, recovery and health. Privacy, consent and emotional wellbeing are always essential when dealing with genetic data.

Differences between Traditional Gene Analysis and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)

The Most Advanced Genetic Testing Method

Scientific Rigor

Backed by state-of-the-art sequencing technology and our in-house systems biology expertise, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Actionable Insights

We don't just provide data; we translate complex genetic information into clear, personalized recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and preventive measures.

Expert Genetic Counseling

Access to board-certified genetic counselors to help you understand your results and navigate sensitive health decisions with confidence.

Integrated Platform

Your genetic data is seamlessly integrated with our multi-omics platform, providing a holistic view of your health and supporting your longevity journey.

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November 10, 2025
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Stories from Those Who Finally Got Answers

We are grateful to everyone who shared their journey with us. Their honesty reminds us why understanding our biology matters, because behind every test result there is a story of someone finally getting the answers they have been looking for.

I’ve always trained hard but never understood why I got exhausted faster than others. The test showed me I recover slower, which actually made everything click. I’ve adjusted my workouts since then and finally stopped burning out.
— Alex D, 30

I took this test just to see if there was anything special about my endurance. It turns out I’m built more for strength than long runs. It sounds small, but it changed how I train and even how I see my body.
— Mia K, 26

After years of trying different diets and workout plans, this helped me understand what really works for me. I’m not guessing anymore. I know how my body responds to food and exercise now, and it’s made training a lot more enjoyable.
— Tom L, 34