Discover: Fitness

Power vs. Endurance

The genes behind your Power vs. Endurance profile

You need a good level of muscular strength, power, and endurance in order to effectively perform a variety of dance movements. An adequate level of muscular strength, power, and endurance not only assists the technical and aesthetic aspects of performance, but it can also minimize the risk of injury by increasing joint stabilization and improving bone health.

This genetic result tells you what your Power vs. Endurance profile is, based on the combination of results from five genes. These are:

• ACTN3: Muscles contain two types of fibers, called fast-twitch and slow-twitch. Fast-twitch fibers are useful for movements relying on sudden intense bursts of activity, required in power sports like weight-lifting, sprinting, high jump, long jump and pole vault. Slow-twitch fibers are useful for long-duration, low intensity activities like walking, jogging and cycling. The ACTN3 gene builds a protein that allows fast-twitch muscle fibers to work at full force. The amount of ACTN3 protein produced depends on your gene variation. The more ACTN3 protein your body produces the greater your muscle power.
• AGT: The AGT gene produces a protein that helps the muscle to contract properly and keeps it strong. The more protein the muscle produces, the greater the strength and power. This protein is also thought to increase the production of fast-twitch fibers, which gives an advantage in power sports.
• AMPD1: Your muscle cells need energy to contract and move your body. The AMPD1 gene produces a protein that is involved in the production of energy utilized by the muscle. This energy is used during short bursts of exercise and is also important for combatting fatigue.
• PPARGC1A: The PPARGC1A gene contributes to regulate how the energy is used in muscle cells. Higher energy levels are linked to increased aerobic fitness and the ability to exercise for longer periods of time. This gene also regulates the ability to grow slow-twitch muscle fiber which also contributes to increased endurance performance.

IL6: The IL6 gene produces a substance called interleukin-6. In the muscle, it is released in response to exercise, and it promotes fiber regeneration, regulating how muscles recover after exercise. It is also thought that having normal IL6 gene function contributes to better performance in power sports.

Recovery

The genes behind your Power vs. Endurance profile

As a dancer, it is important to take care of your body on and off the stage – especially after a performance. You might want to skip the cool-down process but make sure that you’re following a proper recovery routine to help your body heal and regain strength. In fact, without proper recovery, your body will operate at only a fraction of your full capacity, which can also lead to:

•       Injuries
•       Fatigue                     
•       Mental cloudiness
•       Difficulty focusing

Now is the time to take control of your recovery routine and unleash your full capability. Not only will you feel better, but it will also help you improve your skills in the long run.

The Recovery profile is based on the combination of results from three genes. These are:

• IL6: The IL6 gene produces a substance called interleukin-6. In the muscle, it is released in response to exercise, and it promotes fiber regeneration, regulating how muscles recover after exercise. It is also thought that having normal IL6 gene function contributes to better performance in power sports
• ACTN3: Muscles contain two types of fibers, called fast-twitch and slow-twitch. Fast-twitch fibers are useful for movements relying on sudden intense bursts of activity, required in power sports like weight-lifting, sprinting, high jump, long jump and pole vault. Slow-twitch fibers are useful for long-duration, low intensity activities like walking, jogging and cycling. The ACTN3 gene builds a protein that allows fast-twitch muscle fibers to work at full force. It can also influence your ability to recover.
• AMPD1: Your muscle cells need energy to contract and move your body. The AMPD1 gene produces a protein that is involved in the production of energy utilized by the muscle. This energy is used during short bursts of exercise and is also important for combatting fatigue.

Stamina

The genes behind your Stamina profile

Stamina is extremely important for dancers. Poor stamina leads to fatigue, which is the main cause of injuries in professional dancers. Your Stamina profile is based on the combination of results from three genes. These are:

• PPARGC1A
  The PPARGC1A gene contributes to regulate how the energy is used in muscle cells. Higher energy levels are linked to increased aerobic fitness and the ability to exercise for longer periods of time. This gene also regulates the ability to grow slow-twitch muscle fiber which also contributes to increased endurance performance.
• IL6
  The IL6 gene produces a substance called interleukin-6. In the muscle, it is released in response to exercise, and it promotes fiber regeneration, regulating how muscles recover after exercise. It is also thought that having normal IL6 gene function contributes to better performance in power sports.
• AGT
  The AGT gene produces a protein that helps the muscle to contract properly and keeps it strong. The more protein the muscle produces, the greater the strength and power. This protein is also thought to increase the production of fast-twitch fibers, which gives an advantage in power sports.

Injury Prevention

The genes behind your Injury Prevention profile

Your Injury Prevention profile is based on the combination of results from two genes. These are:

• COL5A1
  The COL5A1 gene produces the protein collagen 5 which affects the structure and function of collagen in ligaments and tendons. The amount of collagen and how it is packed influences ligament strength. It also influences the range of movement and flexibility of the joints.
• COL1A1
  The COL1A1 gene builds the main collagen chain that affects the strength of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules. This strength affects the mobility of joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles. Higher levels of this type of collagen provide better supported joints and a reduced risk of injury.