the search for the muscle-building gene
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Arnold Schwarzenegger <[email protected]>
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Arnold's Pump Club welcomes subscribers and debunks the myth that genetics prevent muscle gain, citing a study that found only one gene tied to muscle growth out of 315,000 scanned. The brand emphasizes that most people can build muscle with a well-designed program. They aim to provide a positive and informative space for health and fitness.
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You're Probably Not an Exercise "Non-Responder"
Scientists scanned 315,000 genes for a muscle-building gene and found one. True non-responders are rare. Here's the real reason you're stalled.
Welcome to the positive corner of the internet. We’re here to make your life healthier, happier, and less stressful. At the bottom of each email, we explain our editorial process, stance on AI, and partnership standards.
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Today’s Health Upgrade
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Fitness
Bad genetics is one of the most popular reasons people use to explain their lack of results. And while genetics definitely play a role, the science does not say your DNA is holding you back from building muscle.
Researchers recently scanned more than 315,000 spots in people's DNA for a gene tied to muscle growth. Only one turned up.
The study highlights that true non-responders, the people who genuinely can't build muscle, are extremely rare. Most of what looks like non-response is something else.
The researchers found that if you don’t see results, the most likely issue is the program you’re following.
In one study, participants were put on a well-designed program or a poorly designed one. About 90% of people following a “good program” saw strong results, which was much higher than those following the bad program. But swap conditions, and results followed.
We’re not downplaying genetics. Twin studies suggest genes matter, with heritability estimates for exercise response somewhere around 30% to 70%. But if you look for the specific genes that will prevent you from responding to muscle, you come up nearly empty.
A better explanation is this: everyone can build muscle at almost any age, but some people build it more easily.
So if you're stalled or feeling hopeless, the problem isn’t you. It’s what you’re doing to change your body.
Start with what you control: Are you actually showing up consistently? Is the weight on the bar going up over time? Are you chasing the hard reps? Do you have support and accountability? Sleep and food matter here too.
If you’re not seeing results, your body is not fighting against you. But you might be following a workout approach that won’t help you accomplish your goals.
Working out isn’t rocket science, but it is exercise science. And most people throw together workouts designed for exhaustion, not results.
That's exactly what the Pump Club app is built to fix. The workouts are designed to progress, so the weight on the bar keeps moving up instead of stalling. You get the right exercises, in the right order, and you progress week over week. And the flexible schedule means you never miss a workout.
Plus, you train with weekly support and guidance from Arnold’s hand-picked coaches, alongside a community that shows up every day.
And, when you complete entire programs, you get paid back (for up to four programs per year), including $50 back once you complete the entire “Foundation” program.
If you want to experience the difference, try a free 7-day trial.
Everyone can build muscle. The trick is finding a program that works.
Reader Question
Worried About A Nutrient Deficiency? These Are Your Best Bets
“I eat ok, but I don’t always have healthy foods. Are there any nutrients I’m probably not getting that can cause health issues?” -Denise, TN
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