From Left to Right: Healthy, Overweight, and Obese. Are you using your "fat gene" as an excuse?

The science of health, fitness and human performance has come a long way from physical education class. We can now look down to the molecular level to help explain why some of us find it hard to lose body fat and why others respond faster and more dramatically to exercise. Recently a specific genetic variation called the FTO, or "fat gene" has been identified and is related to higher body mass index, body fat, as well as, hip and waist measurements. A "thrifty" metabolism stores energy, namely fat, effectively even with relatively low caloric intake. The thrifty gene theory proposes that two to three million years ago, when famines were common, a thrifty metabolism, was an evolutionary advantage. However, now that food is abundant and physical activity is not a part of most American's daily schedule, thriftiness contributes to obesity and chronic diseases like Diabetes.

But wait, don't get depressed and think your genes are against you! First of all, there is research out there demonstrating even if your genetics put you at a higher risk for obesity, regular exercise of the proper intensity, duration and frequency can improve your outcomes. The nature vs. nurture, or genetics vs. exercise behavior, is not the question you need to worry about. Focus on how you can create the best environment to achieve the health, fitness and performance goals you have set for yourself. You should be using the TRX to build muscle, boost metabolism, optimize movement quality and have a blast doing it! The human body is an incredible thing - it responds to its environment, driven by its genetic makeup. You cannot go wrong by doing the right thing.

Here is a related article:

Can Exercise Trump Genetics?

That's it for now, until next time, good luck with your training and remember, if you have a question, log on to the Virtual Trainer Expert Forum and have your question answered by a panel of experts. In addition, be sure and check out the Racer X Virtual Trainer archive section. Your complete one-stop information zone for motocross fitness.