ACTN3: The Gene That COULD Make Or Break Your Training

[sikastrength]

So for the regular viewers you'll know is a bit different to what we normally do. I'm titling this series Biochemistry Of Performance.

While you're under no obligation to like this video, if you DID like it, leaving a like and a comment are both very useful for the algorithm but also as a way of voting for things you like.

It took a lot of hours from both Alex and I (Eoin) so it's useful to know what's worth putting work towards.

[ashleyrussell]

I have the ACTN3 XX Allele, this video has made me really depressed, thanks lads

[scottmitchell]

I've been binging you guys so much your voices now narrate my self-talk and daydreaming. Happened once before with physicist-futurist Isaac Arthur. Trust me, yours is way better. Anyhow, keep it up! Thank you for your passion. You're re-energizing this old powerlifter.

[lancem]

ACTN3 is simply the most researched gene, there are numerous genes that contribute to sports performance. It might be the case that having RR is correlated with having other beneficial gene presentations, but it might not. To try and make sports predictions based on one gene alone is quite a leap of faith.

[heyitsmesam]

I have the RX genotype, my 23andme says "your muscle composition is common in elite power athletes" yet throughout my life I've found that I'm better at endurance based sports and aerobic exercise. I CAN do power based sports, but I tend to get muscle injuries very easily, and I honestly barely even notice any gains, I've never been a muscular guy and my muscles tend to stay the same size regardless of how physically active I am. I've taken up endurance running recently and I've found that it suits me well. Maybe it is because I only produce 50% of the ACTN3 protein. Great video by the way!

[chenzenzo]

I have the Sprinter Gene, High VO2 Max a lower than average endurance according to my genes, but I have massive endurance and have worked out during work for decades. I play the long game. My grip is ridiculous. This video is absolutely fantastic.

[andrijamunitic]

casual flex at the end there 😏 good vid lads

[BaldOmniMan]

The editing is top notch though. More videos like this

[patrickmiller]

As an arboriculturalist, the ACTN tree is my absolute favorite.

[khajiitthecat]

Incredible video guys, very interesting topic I’ve never heard of

[jeffbrannon]

While I'm not interested in athletics (though I respect skill, focus and discipline) I am into genomics. Love the way you translate a topic that is so often too abstract into something meaningful.

[Sabisuzu]

I have the TT genotype of the ACTN3 gene (uncommon in elite athletes) and the GG genotype of the APOA2 gene (I gain weight if I eat over 22g/day of saturated fat). It sucks in today's world, but if we were living in the wild it means: I could run long distance to find food without feeling tired, I'd be more resistant to cold weather and rain, every time I'd be able to eat an animal the fat would be stored as energy, and my energy would be used more efficiently. So at first glance it sucks, but I'm basically a freakin' survival beast. All depends on how we see it.

[Ahmed-vkpv]

This is very informative, but I'd really love to see more comp commentary. I fully watched all the previous ones and need more lol

[Darkgeorgelopez]

My experience so far having the XX isnt so bad. I love lifting. Been at it for about 3 years and I've got a 315 bench, 465 squat, and a 500 lb deadlift, might not be the best but im still improving and if youre in my boat, dont let this gene tell you you cant do something. Theres a lot more factors at play than a single gene.

[HeroTripleT]

Would love to see more videos like this, really hoping it get some more views to justify a series.
Havent seen a topic on the matter of genetics being presented in such a digestible manner. Really curious what else is there to dive into, there must be alot to uncover

[guidokuijper]

Good vid, proper length, proper storytelling, proper editing, very informative and no distractions. Great job!

[BouchaalaReda]

Oh yeah definitely like this type of short concise, to the point video. I'd love to see more of these but only for these types of information like there's no elaboration involved just pure direct information. Good video guys! I wonder what type I have XD

[weightedsumwl]

Amazing video Lads! Crisp animation and a chilling narration

[plantybara]

We gotta vote Eoin & Dr. Boffa as official commentators to the sport of weightlifting

[tengu]

I found that I can look at my raw data on the desktop version of 23andMe’s site. Not only did I find more detail on my ACTN3 gene, but also other genes that were not mentioned in their wellness reports. The data in genes I wanted to see were summed up like this — ACTN3 (CC), MSTN (TT), COMT (AA), ACE (GG)

From what I can comprehend, I can produce a fair amount of force and recover well, and I’m split almost evenly between type-I and type-II muscle fibers — high endurance and high force, I guess. My brain has high dopamine levels, but I can get anxious and stressed to an equal extent. My myostatin gene is normal, not much to say there…