Two identical twins have led two super different lives . Thanks to the fact this   leftover twosome ploughshare over 99 percentage of their DNA , their body are give scientists a massive insight into the relationship between genetic science and health , all while assist to answer the old - age question of whether nature or rearing is more important to our physical fitness .

The new study , issue in theEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology , tell the story of two 52 - year - onetime males . One had spent the preceding 30 years grooming as an Ironman triathlete , but the other chose the much more sedentary lifestyle of a truck number one wood .

scientist led by the San Francisco State University studied their habitus , blood profile , cardiovascular and pulmonary wellness , pinched muscle size , strength and power , and muscle wellness .

So , what ’s the lesson of this story ?

" It shows your gene are n’t a cop - out , " written report author Jimmy Bagley , an adjunct professor of kinesiology , explained in astatement .

" If your parents are heavy , for example , it might be harder for you to get fit , but this bailiwick shows that it ’s not unimaginable . "

Unsurprisingly , the gymnastic twin exhibited much good overall wellness : lower body fat , lower resting middle rate and line pressure sensation , lower cholesterin , triglycerides , and blood clams , and greater aerobic capability and survival . However , accidentally , the truck number one wood Gemini did look to have considerably big and strong leg muscles .

“ The untrained twin had been carry around more weight his whole life , which can build big muscleman , ” said Bagley .

One of the clearest indicator of overall wellness is the VO2 max , the measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can apply during an vivid exercising , which accounts for cardiovascular health , pulmonary wellness , and muscle efficiency .

The motortruck machine driver twin ’s VO2 max was more - or - less typical for a gentleman’s gentleman in his 50s . On the other hand , the athletic twin ’s VO2 max was adequate to that of a 30 - class - previous .

“ VO2 max starts to drop off at age 65 or 70 , and when it hits a sure David Low you are credibly going to become dependent on someone else , " bestow Bagley . " As people get Old , we attempt to keep them over that dependency limitation . "

On top of all that , the first-rate - fighting twin had 55 percent more " slow - twitch " muscle fibers that facilitate with endurance activeness like long distance run , cycling , and swimming . In the words of the researchers , “ he was like a machine . ”

You ’ll be proud of to hear that the research has led the truck number one wood to get going walking as a hobby . The scientists will keep on to study this unlikely duoevery five year as they age to gain deeper insights into the slippery nature of genetics , life style , health , and fitness .