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How does blood type affect the specifics of strength training?

Author: Slauta Alexander - sports nutrition specialist and gym trainer.
2014-04-19

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Modern science knows that blood types represent stages of human evolution. Each type defines progressive genetic changes in immunity and the body's protection. Immunity is directly linked to the hormonal system and depends on it. Thus, representatives of each blood type differ from each other in their endocrine systems. Since hormones fully determine our psyche, we can say that blood type is a global factor shaping personality. This undoubtedly affects training styles, nutrition, and everything related to workouts in general.

In this article, I will discuss representatives of various blood types in detail and help you find your place in bodybuilding – identifying your strengths and weaknesses.

Blood Type One

If you have this blood type, it means that nature has chosen you as a leader. This is very important in bodybuilding.

Pros:

1. Effective digestive system. Your digestive system is ready to accept protein in almost any quantity, and all this protein will contribute to muscle building.

2. Strong immune system. You can easily handle overtraining. The immune system quickly restores its resources.

3. Excellent hormonal background for training. At the beginning of a workout, the body secretes adrenaline. In representatives of other blood types, this hormone breaks down after 15-25 minutes. For people with blood type one, adrenaline secretion lasts up to 60 minutes. At the same time, cortisol (an enemy in building an athletic body), a constant companion of strength training, is secreted minimally.

Training

You can train daily. Sport should be a part of your life. This doesn't only include strength sports but also various others: running, martial arts, team sports. During physical activity, the body releases neurotransmitters. These physiological substances stimulate nervous activity and permeate the entire body. As a result, the whole body experiences a deep toning effect after training. Conversely, if you don't engage in physical activity, your body deteriorates. Thus, physical loads are a direct condition for good health for representatives of blood type one.

Nutrition

You should avoid:

  • Dairy products;
  • Wheat products.

This blood type is defenseless against lectins (natural plant toxins), which are found in dairy and wheat products. They irritate the intestines. Lectins can be toxic to the immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. However, chicken eggs are beneficial. They contain docosahexaenoic acid (an omega-3 class), which promotes muscle mass growth in representatives of blood type one.

Recommended Supplements

For people with blood type one, the important dietary supplements are:

  • Tyrosine;
  • Glutamine;
  • B vitamins;
  • Folic acid;
  • HMB (Hydroxymethylbutyrate).

Blood Type Two

Among those who are fanatical about bodybuilding and fitness, there are the most representatives of blood type two. While members of blood type one can confidently be classified as mesomorphs, initially having muscle mass on a solid skeletal foundation, blood type two largely consists of thin ectomorphs or endomorphs with excess body fat. Many representatives of blood type two are of mixed types.

Pros and Cons

1. Excellent endurance. Blood type two gives its holders outstanding capabilities in sports that require this quality, such as running and swimming. Unfortunately, it's quite difficult for people with this blood type to progress in bodybuilding.

2. High cortisol concentration. Cortisol extracts additional biological energy by breaking down muscle tissue, which is certainly not advantageous for building impressive muscle mass. However, it’s still possible to progress by following strict guidelines. This is a challenging path that requires patience, willpower, and strength.

Training

You could say that as long as you don't manage cortisol secretion, you won't achieve successes in muscle building. This requires establishing strict discipline in your workouts, daily routine, and diet.

If your love for bodybuilding is rational and you are ready to treat it as a sport rather than a form of plastic surgery, then this advice is for you:

- Train in short cycles, no longer than one to two weeks. In the first cycle, perform 12-15 repetitions per set; in the second cycle, 8-12; and in the third cycle, 6-8.

You might not have a strict schedule for your workouts. Just come to the gym feeling fully mentally prepared. Lethargy and apathy are not suited for bodybuilding. Avoid pushing yourself into a state of extreme fatigue and overtraining, as this will only contribute to increased cortisol release.

Nutrition

Representatives of blood type two often experience a weak appetite. Due to the high levels of cortisol, your primary task is to reduce cortisol secretion. You should aim to eat more frequently, up to 6 times a day.

Recommended Supplements

  • Vitamin C three times a day at 500 mg;
  • B vitamins (B1, B5, B6, B12);
  • Zinc (15-25 mg per day);
  • Amino acids, particularly tyrosine (3-7 g per day);
  • Coenzyme Q10 (60 mg twice a day);
  • L-carnitine (1-2 g per day);
  • Biotin, alpha-lipoic acid (100-600 mg per day);
  • Glutamine (200-500 mg per day);
  • Soy protein;
  • HMB;
  • BCAA;
  • Tribulus.

Carbonated drinks are contraindicated for you, as they lower stomach acidity, which is already low in representatives of blood type two. Stomach acidity reflects the speed of metabolism. Your primary goal is to increase your metabolic rate and reduce cortisol secretion.

Blood Type Three

Just like representatives of blood type two, individuals with blood type three also have high cortisol secretion. They manage with a small amount of food and sleep. Since this mechanism has been active since early childhood, most people with blood type three tend to be asthenics (ectomorphs), tall and thin. However, cortisol secretion is not as high compared to blood type two.

Pros and Cons

1. Metabolism tends to slow down. In other words, it enters "sleep" mode to conserve energy. This quality can be detrimental to training.

2. Weaker immune system. Many viruses have antibodies similar to those of blood type three. Therefore, your immunity is not consistently protective against many viruses.

Training

For representatives of blood type three, a cyclical training system is also suitable, just as it is for blood type two. It should be noted that individuals with blood type three make the best teachers for themselves. Therefore, experiment more, keep a training diary, and remember methodological innovations! You will surely achieve your goals.

Nutrition

1. A traditional gap of 4-5 hours between meals is unacceptable. Along with hunger, irritation and cortisol concentration in the blood will increase. Again, aim to eat up to 6 times a day.

2. Before starting workouts, it's necessary to normalize your diet and reduce excess fat. Your immune system is already struggling with numerous infections, and many foods, especially corn, buckwheat, and beans, contain lectins. Fermented dairy products will be well absorbed by you.

Recommended Supplements

  • Vitamin C;
  • B vitamins (B1, B5, B6, B12);
  • Zinc (15-25 mg per day);
  • Chromium;
  • Magnesium;
  • Amino acids, particularly tyrosine (3-7 g per day);
  • Coenzyme Q10 (60 mg twice a day);
  • L-carnitine (1-2 g per day);
  • Biotin, alpha-lipoic acid (100-600 mg per day);
  • Glutamine (200-500 mg per day);
  • Whey protein;
  • BCAA;
  • Tribulus.

Take cold prevention and immune-stimulating medications to help prevent illnesses.

Blood Type Four

This blood type emerged as a result of mixed marriages. Representatives of this blood type combine the traits of blood types two and three. Individuals with blood type four are physically resilient. Thus, bodybuilding with its multiset (supersets) method turns out to be a logical choice.

Pros and Cons

High strength endurance.

Decreased stomach acidity, which indicates a slower metabolic rate.

Training

Training will become a form of negative stress that triggers cortisol secretion. Short and intense workouts two to three times a week will suit you. To reduce the risk of overtraining, cycle your loads. However, the duration of the cycles can be long – up to 3 and even 6 weeks. Alternating workouts of varying intensity yields excellent results for individuals with blood type four. Sports psychologists recommend developing a rational training program at the beginning of the year and sticking to it with the help of a trainer, regardless of your mood.

Nutrition

1. Since your stomach acidity is low, animal protein is contraindicated for you. However, egg whites are well absorbed. You can consume legumes and nuts.

2. Foods containing lectins are not suitable (pasta, bread). They reduce muscle mass while increasing fat, and corn has a similar effect.

3. Breakfast is your main meal. Eat dinner no later than 8 PM. This way, after sleep, you'll be able to have a full breakfast: plenty of carbohydrates and protein.

Recommended Supplements

Since your immune system copies the weaknesses of several blood types, you need specific measures, particularly:

  • Taking arginine up to 30 g per day;
  • Immunomodulators (ginseng, astragalus, licorice);
  • Glutamine;
  • Tyrosine;
  • B vitamins;
  • Egg white isolate (protein);
  • BCAA;
  • HMB;
  • Tribulus.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, we do not choose our blood type. In any case, we can progress and achieve results. It’s just that the choice of means and methods to achieve goals depends on which blood type you have. Sometimes you need to put in a bit more effort than usual. I have tried to break everything down clearly for each blood type. Wishing you success in achieving your set goals.

Personal Fitness Training by the Author of This Article:

  • Development of online training and nutrition programs;
  • Weight loss and correction;
  • Muscle mass gain;
  • Physical rehabilitation for various conditions (including back issues);
  • Rehabilitation after injuries;
  • Contacts: VKontakte, Instagram, YouTube, VIBER: +375291503882

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