The New York Times recently published an article seeking an answer for this question.
My answer is it depends on who you are. If you are looking for permission to keep doing whatever you’ve been doing, then your genes likely are the largest influencer on your fitness level. I’m almost certain of it.
Not only do genes determine your fitness level, whatever foods you are currently eating too much of… well that kind of food is part of a healthy diet. If you drink wine, chances are you’re getting all the antioxidants you need. If you eat chocolate, that will help you get more antioxidants that wine doesn’t include. There are studies and articles that will sing the praises of just about anything most everybody eats.
Now if you’re the type of person that goes out and gets what they want, then genes may not determine your fitness levels. For instance, if running causes you pain, drop the running shoes and get on a bike. If cardiovascular training isn’t helping you shed unwanted weight, implement resistance training. If you find new tools to overcome the various challenges you are confronted with, then you are probably sculpting your health to your own vision, whether your genes like it or not.
And that is pretty much how fitness and life in general, work. If you want to find data that confirms what you already believe, you will certainly be able to find it. However, if you so choose you may strike out on your own, look for the road less traveled, or better yet, hoe your own road.
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