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The Sports Gene
352 pages, 2013
In high school, I wondered whether the Jamaican Americans who made our track team so successful might carry some special speed gene from their tiny island.
In college, I ran against Kenyans and wondered whether endurance genes might have traveled with them from East Africa.
At the same time, I began to notice that a training group on my team could consist of five men who run next to one another, stride for stride, day after day, and nonetheless turn out five entirely different runners. How could this be?
In The Sports Gene, David Epstein explores the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. He digs into how much of an athlete's performance is due to genetics and how much can be attributed to training. You'll find that it's not as black and white as you might think.
Epstein takes a look at the popular '10,000 Hour Rule' and challenges its validity. He suggests that while practice is important, it's not the only factor in achieving elite performance in sports. This might make you rethink how you approach your own training.
The Sports Gene also delves into the fascinating world of genetic advantages in sports. Epstein researches how certain genetic traits can give athletes an edge in specific sports. It's a fascinating look into how our bodies can shape our athletic potential.
David Epstein doesn't just focus on genetics, he also explores the role of environment in shaping an athlete's performance. From altitude and climate to cultural factors, you'll see how these elements can influence sports success.
One of the key takeaways from The Sports Gene is the importance of individualized training. Epstein suggests that understanding our own genetic makeup can help tailor training to our unique needs. This could be a game-changer in how you approach your fitness goals.
Quotes 5
The Sports Gene is an extraordinary exploration of the science of human performance. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the science behind our athletic abilities.
Malcolm Gladwell - Author, JournalistThe Sports Gene is a game-changer. It's a fascinating, thought-provoking look into what truly makes us who we are as athletes.
Daniel Coyle - Author, JournalistThe Sports Gene is a groundbreaking exploration of the science of athleticism. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the limits of human potential.
David Shenk - Author, FilmmakerThe Sports Gene is a fascinating, deep dive into the science of human athleticism. It's a must-read for anyone who loves sports and wants to understand what makes athletes great.
Mary Roach - Author, HumoristThe Sports Gene is a groundbreaking book that changes the way we think about athleticism and sports. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the science of human performance.
Mark McClusky - Author, JournalistRecommendations
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