Frequently asked questions.

Yes. Our TrueTrait™ model is based only on high-quality research published in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Genetics and PLoS Genetics. We only analyse gene variants with significant associations to health and fitness outcomes, drawn from large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Every diet, workout, supplement and lifestyle recommendation is evidence-based, and our trait blogs and results include citations to the published studies.

Saliva contains skin cells from inside your mouth and is more reliable than a cheek swab — especially with the buffer solution that preserves the DNA. Hair shafts don’t contain genomic DNA (only the follicle does, which is painful to remove), so hair isn’t a reliable source.

All customer samples are processed by Eurofins Genomics in Galten, Denmark. The facility holds ISO 9001, ISO 15189 and ISO 17043 certifications and complies with GLP, GCP and cGMP standards.

No. FitnessGenes uses our own TrueTrait™ model, which combines hundreds to thousands of your gene variants with your lifestyle data. Unlike ancestry-focused services, we focus on fitness and health traits and pair them with tailored workout and nutrition plans.

Yes — if you have DNA data from 23andMe, Ancestry, Atlas Biomed, Family Tree DNA, iGene, MyHeritage, Living DNA or Vitagene, we can use it.

No — we test for the same genetic variations regardless of which system you purchase.

Absolutely. Our team is available to help you choose the FitnessGenes product best suited to your goals and training needs.

We accept US Dollars (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Australian Dollars (AUD), Euros (EUR) and UAE dirham (AED).

We use Stripe and PayPal to process payments securely.

Yes. You’ll receive the kit or activation code, then pass the materials to the recipient, who registers independently under their own account.

Some health insurers or plans may cover the cost, but policies vary — please check with your provider.

New customers receive both automatically. Existing customers can upgrade from their member area.

We can deliver to PO Box addresses within the UK only. International shipments need a residential or business address.

Yes — we’re glad to support members of the forces and can ship to military bases, though delivery may take a little longer.

We ship worldwide, except to Russia, China, Korea, Brazil, Mexico and Spain due to safety or postal restrictions.

Allow up to 5 days for the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, and up to 10 days for other locations.

Return it in the original mailing box. UK customers use the prepaid label; international customers use standard post to our Bicester address.

For UK customers, return postage is free using the included prepaid label. International customers use their standard postal service.

Before we can process your sample, register the unique barcode on the collection tube at my.fitnessgenes.com. We can’t process your sample without it.

After registering the barcode, provide your sample in the morning, at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum. Rub your cheeks, spit into the funnel up to the fill line, close the lid firmly until it clicks, unscrew the funnel, cap the tube, shake for 5 seconds, and place it in the specimen bag inside the original mailing box.

No, as long as it’s returned within 5 years. The buffer solution you add preserves your DNA for up to 5 years.

Try a different Post Office — there are no legal barriers to returning it, and your sample stays viable for 5 years. If problems persist, email support@fitnessgenes.com.

Declare ‘no commercial value’ or the equivalent of $1 / £1 / €1, and describe the contents as “Exempt human specimen — saliva sample” to avoid import taxes.

Yes. We accept data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, Atlas Biomed, Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage, iGene, Living DNA and Vitagene — just purchase the DNA Upload service.

Yes. Sample collection is safe, simple and non-invasive, and your DNA doesn’t change with pregnancy or illness.

Your results, trait reports, workout plan and nutrition guidance are all hosted in our secure online Members Area, with new results released regularly.

We use a short survey to collect lifestyle data — body composition, activity, diet, allergies, sleep, medical history and blood results — so we can build a more accurate model of how your body works and tailor more precise actions.

Log into the Members Area and check you’re using your primary email (the one used to register the sample barcode). If it persists, email support@fitnessgenes.com.

Check your spam/junk folder first. Delays usually mean either your sample needs retesting (free, with no new sample) or the lab couldn’t obtain a valid result and a new sample is needed.

It typically takes 2–3 weeks from when we receive your sample. Any extra testing may add around a week.

No — we only analyse gene variants related to diet, workout and fitness outcomes. You can, however, upload raw DNA data from an ancestry service for us to analyse.

Yes, but consult a physician before starting. If you’re new to training, overweight, injured, over 50 or inactive, we recommend the Get Fit System. Train within your limits, take rest days, and allow your muscles to recover.

They’re tailored to your genetics, lifestyle, traits and goals — adjusting the number and type of sets, reps, tempo, intra-workout recovery, cardio and HIIT, pre- and post-workout nutrition, and supplement recommendations.

We analyse your DNA and lifestyle data for personalised guidance. For weight loss, for example, your trait results reveal things like saturated-fat sensitivity and appetite patterns, so we can tailor nutrition (calorie targets, meal frequency, macros) and workout parameters for fat loss.

Yes. The Get Fit system suits those new to resistance and cardio training, and can be done at home or in the gym.

Log in at my.fitnessgenes.com, click “Workout”, then “My Workout Plans”. You can then activate the plan you would like to follow. Plans require processed DNA results.

Get Fit needs only your bodyweight and resistance bands at home. Other systems use gym equipment such as benches, free weights and cable machines.

Genetically-tailored nutrition covering daily calorie intake, calorie spread, macronutrient ratio, meal frequency and recipes, plus trait insights on how you metabolise nutrients and supplement recommendations.

Yes - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack recipes that fit your calorie recommendations and dietary preferences. Find them in the Members Area under “Nutrition” > “Recipes”.

We test lactose intolerance (LCT gene) and caffeine sensitivity (CYP1A2). We don’t test for gluten, wheat, yeast or histamine intolerances or food allergies, which need medical diagnosis.

Yes. Plans accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian and other dietary preferences.

Once your sample is analysed and your results delivered, the laboratory disposes of it. We comply with the Human Tissue Act (2004) and don’t retain samples beyond testing. You can request disposal at any time via support@fitnessgenes.com.

Not without your express written consent, except where legally required. Delivery details go to our couriers; genetic data may be shared with academic institutions for anonymised research only. Research participation is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.

We comply with UK data protection law and the GDPR. Personal details are password-protected on secure servers, genetic data is anonymised, and DNA samples are barcoded and kept secure. Third-party sharing needs your express consent unless legally mandated.

Your personal details are password-protected on secure servers and your DNA results are anonymised on separate secure servers. Genetic data is only ever used for research when anonymised and pooled, with no way to trace it to an individual. You can read the full policy on our Privacy Policy page.

Check your spam/junk folder, as our emails may be filtered. Add @fitnessgenes.com to your safe senders to make sure you receive future emails.