Genetics or your workout

[blackjack]

I want to know if it is genetics or the workout you do that determines a muscles shape. Could it be a combo of the two?

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by blackjack

I want to know if it is genetics or the workout you do that determines a muscles shape. Could it be a combo of the two?

Genetics determine the shape. Your workout decides how big the shape gets.

[Off Road]

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

Genetics determine the shape. Your workout decides how big the shape gets.

Exactly. Doing certain exercises to try to change the shape of a muscle is a waste of time. Just get stronger and bigger.

[Jesda]

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

Genetics determine the shape. Your workout decides how big the shape gets.

Very well said.

[TitanCT]

Genetics determine the individual shapes, but you can modify lifts to it different heads of the muscle groups in an attempt to even yourself out more...like you can modify a leg extension to hit your tear drops harder, etc.

[Fire36]

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

Genetics determine the shape. Your workout decides how big the shape gets.

Hard to argue with that logic Rich

[8pack]

This makes sense. I do not think you can do a whole lot to change genetics.

[bruteforce]

Originally Posted by 8pack

This makes sense. I do not think you can do a whole lot to change genetics.

There is nothing outside the realm of seeking out a mad scientist that you can to do change your genetics, in a positive way at least. Gene sequencing can be damaged by many things: excessive exposure to UV spectrum and higher radiation, carcinogens, free radicals, major physical damage, and aging.

Certain things can, however, affect your gene expression, specifically steroid and steroid-like hormones. Testosterone turns on certain signals for increased synthesis of certain types of protein, leading to increased skeletal muscle, increase in male characteristics, and sometimes a poorer blood lipid profile. Cortisol, also a steroid, does the opposite in many respects, and is required for certain stages of the healing process.