Do genetics affect muscle gain?

Genetics significantly affect muscle gain. For example, Sal Di Stefano and the team emphasize that genetics can account for how quickly someone builds muscle and how strong they can get. However, while genetics play a crucial role, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and overall activity level also have a substantial impact on muscle gain 1 2 3.

Sal points out that although some people may appear genetically predisposed to build muscle easily, lifestyle factors like caloric intake and exercise routines are pivotal. For instance, thin individuals who eat more and lift weights can experience significant muscle gain, illustrating the powerful influence of lifestyle 2. Additionally, Justin Andrews mentions epigenetics, suggesting that life experiences and environmental factors can turn specific genes on or off, further impacting muscle growth potential 3 4.

In summary, while genetics set the potential for muscle gain, lifestyle and controlled factors determine how much of that potential is realized. Therefore, focusing on actionable elements like diet and exercise is crucial for muscle growth.