Muscle Building Genetics?

There are probably a host of genes governing the ability to build muscle.  23andme tests for one of the genes, ACTN3, the protein expressed in fast twitch muscle fibers.  Fast twitch muscle fibers for forceful, high velocity muscle contractions.  About 18% of all people do not produce the ACTN3 protein according to fitness genes (see here).  Checking my 23andme results recently, I discovered that I am the homozygote for the C (normal) allele.  Basically, I produce the normal amount of the ACTN3 protein.  Funny enough, I was was the slowest sprinter known to man in grade school.  Perhaps there are other genes governing the ability of ACTN3 to function? A study of Olympic power athletes showed that all of them had the CC (normal) genotype.  When it comes to rehabilitating my body from years of muscle wasting cardio + calorie deficit + not enough protein, I hope the fitness genes article is correct that having the CC genotype means having "greater muscle mass, greater baseline strength, greater strength gains in response to training, faster sprint times, and higher proportion of fast twitch muscle fibers compared to XX individuals".  Having the XX (or lack of ACTN3) genotype also means more recovery time is needed between workouts.  Having the XX genotype means that one would have an edge with endurance sports.  I did endurance sports (cross county and long distance track) and 40% of performance is based on environmental factors, like how we exercise, so there you go!

Hopefully, genetics is on my side and it does not take so long to build some much needed muscle mass.  I need to help push or pull a chicken tractor up the hill this afternoon with lots of tall grass in the path!  I may even need to be able to lift heavy and not injury myself if I want to be able to help my parents and MIL when they're old.  Who knows?  Just a few months ago, I was not even sure I would be in good shape in 10 to 20 years myself.  Perhaps I will be if I strength train.

Well, when I was a kid, I was a fast swimmer.  When I decided to take some Jiu Jitsu classes in college, I discovered that I was a lot stronger compared to the other women there.  Hey, I found something I could probably do decently well in.  Taking more Jiu Jitsu classes, found that I am still decently strong.  I guess I'm finally rallying the ACTN3 proteins by doing weight lifting and making sure I never skip a "leg day" since my upper body always seemed a lot stronger compared to lower body.  Ha! 

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