How Genetic Testing Helped Me Optimise Training and Recovery on a Vegan Diet
For many years, I approached physical activity as I did nutrition: with discipline, consistency, and the belief that greater effort would yield better results. Like many plant-based individuals, I assumed that if I trained hard enough and followed general fitness advice, my body would eventually adapt.
It did not always work that way.
Despite remaining active, I often felt drained after certain types of training. Recovery took longer than expected, and some exercise styles left me feeling more depleted than energised. As with nutrition, something felt slightly out of sync.
When Training Doesn’t Feel Right
General fitness guidelines are intended for the average person, but bodies respond differently to exercise due to individual biology. Two people can follow the same training plan, eat similar diets, and have completely different experiences with performance, recovery, and injury resilience.
As a long-term vegan, I was already mindful of supporting my body through nutrition. However, I had not considered how genetics might influence the way my body responds to movement.
What My DNA Revealed
Through genetic testing, I discovered that my body is naturally better suited to endurance-based activity rather than pure strength-focused or high-impact training. My genetic profile also indicated that recovery and musculoskeletal support required more attention than I had previously realised.
This insight helped explain why certain workouts felt sustainable and energising, while others consistently left me feeling worn down. It was not a lack of effort or motivation; it was a mismatch between my training style and my body’s natural tendencies.
Adapting How I Move and Recover
With this knowledge, I adjusted my approach to physical activity. I prioritised endurance-focused movement, incorporated more structured recovery, and became more intentional about supporting my joints, connective tissue, and overall musculoskeletal health.
The change was subtle but meaningful. I felt more balanced, recovered more efficiently, and began to enjoy movement rather than simply pushing through it. Exercise became something that supported my wellbeing, not something I needed to recover from.
Why This Matters for Plant-Based Individuals
Plant-based and vegan individuals often focus strongly on nutrition, ethics, and lifestyle. However, movement is also an important part of this lifestyle. Just as there is no single “perfect” vegan diet, there is no universal training style suitable for everyone.
Genetic insights do not dictate what you must do, but they can help guide how you move, train, and recover in a way that feels supportive and sustainable.
Finding Your Own Way to Move
My experience reinforced an important lesson: wellbeing is not about following rigid rules. It is about understanding your body and working with it.
When nutrition and movement are aligned with individual needs, a plant-based lifestyle becomes not only ethical and nourishing, but also genuinely energising.