MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

Is Popcorn A Healthy Snack?

Is Popcorn A Healthy Snack?

{headline}

{headline}

Everything You Need To Know About Vaping And Its Effect On Your Health

Everything You Need To Know About Vaping And Its Effect On Your Health

Zac Efron Rushed To Australia To Treat "Life-Or-Death" Medical Emergency

Zac Efron Rushed To Australia To Treat "Life-Or-Death" Medical Emergency

This Experiment On Germs Will Have You Cleaning Your Laptop ASAP

This Experiment On Germs Will Have You Cleaning Your Laptop ASAP

{headline}

{headline}

Your "Heart Age" Is Probably Way Older Than You Think

Your "Heart Age" Is Probably Way Older Than You Think

Everything You Need To Know About Testosterone

Everything You Need To Know About Testosterone

Are Plant-Based Protein Substitutes Healthier Than Meat?

Are Plant-Based Protein Substitutes Healthier Than Meat?

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Day

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Day

Just One Run Per Week Can Cut Risk Of Early Death By 27%

Just One Run Per Week Can Cut Risk Of Early Death By 27%

Man Shares Graphic Images Of 40cm Scar After "Sun Spot" Removal

Man Shares Graphic Images Of 40cm Scar After "Sun Spot" Removal

What Is Fascia And Why Is It So Important For Movement?

What Is Fascia And Why Is It So Important For Movement?

  1. Home
  2. Fitness

A Doctor Explains How the 'Hercules Gene' Could Help You Build Muscle Mass

Powerlifter Eddie Hall has the gene, and it likely contributes to his crazy strength. - by Zachary Zane
  • 30 Dec 2019
A Doctor Explains How the 'Hercules Gene' Could Help You Build Muscle Mass
Instagram / @eddiehallwsm

In July of 2019, bodybuilder Eddie Hall, the winner of the 2017 World’s Strongest Man Competition, announced that he has what’s commonly referred to as the “Hercule’s Gene.” This gene allows him to build more muscle mass than the average human being.

It’s unclear exactly how much of an advantage having this gene gives Hall, who currently holds the world record for heaviest deadlift at 500 kgs. Still, Brian Sutterer, MD, resident doctor specialising in physical medicine and rehabilitation, broke down exactly how having this gene works in a recent YouTube video.

The human body has internal mechanisms set up to prohibit us from developing too much muscle mass. That’s because having too much muscle can cause stress on other parts of the body, like our bones, explains Sutterer.

RELATED: Eddie Hall Shares Epic Body Transformation

eddiehallwsm View Profile
78.7k likes - View Post on Instagram
10LBS of pancakes 🥞... how'd you think you'd do? WATCH TONIGHT ON "DAVE" 🇬🇧 at 6pm-7pm!!! ALSO later on the history channel "The Strongest Man In History" at 9pm!!! UK only 🇬🇧 #EddieEats #TheStrongestManInHistory Big Love Team Beast

The myostatin protein is what puts the breaks on producing muscle fibres. “It prevents the production of additional muscle fibres, and it also prevents those muscle fibres from getting too big,” Sutterer explains.

The MSTN gene gives instructions for how much myostatin to produce. Those with the “Hercule’s Gene” have an abnormal or mutated MSTN gene that causes the body to produce lower level of myostatin. With less myostatin to block muscle growth, one can produce more muscle.

The first documented case of the Hercules Gene was in 2004, and since then, the fitness and bodybuilding industry have attempted to in some way market a similar acting supplement. While anti-doping agencies have banned any myostatin inhibiting products, that hasn’t stopped production.

RELATED: Will Going Heavy Build Muscle Size Faster?

One particular product that’s marketed is called Folistatin, which is a compound that can block the myostatin that’s currently in your body. Sutterer warns, however, that these supplements are “sketchy” and not something he’d ever recommend using.

Still, this gene could potentially be used to help people with muscular dystrophy, which is a muscle wasting condition. “So there’s hope that the discovery of this gene and protein can lead to some novel therapeutic and treatment strategies for people who have these muscle wasting conditions," Sutterer says.

As for whether or not Sutterer thinks having this gene gives Hall a biological edge while competing?

“There’s no doubt about it, that this gives someone an advantage when it comes to building muscle.”

Watch the video below.

Doctor Explains RARE Genetic Condition in World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall - HERCULES GENE!

This article originally appeared on Men's Health US

  • Fitness
  • Strength Training
Zachary Zane
Zachary Zane
Zachary Zane is a Brooklyn-based writer, speaker, and activist whose work focuses on lifestyle, sexuality, culture, and entertainment. He was formerly the digital associate editor at OUT Magazine. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Washington Post, Playboy, and more.

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

Is Popcorn A Healthy Snack?

Is Popcorn A Healthy Snack?

{headline}

{headline}

Everything You Need To Know About Vaping And Its Effect On Your Health

Everything You Need To Know About Vaping And Its Effect On Your Health

Zac Efron Rushed To Australia To Treat "Life-Or-Death" Medical Emergency

Zac Efron Rushed To Australia To Treat "Life-Or-Death" Medical Emergency

This Experiment On Germs Will Have You Cleaning Your Laptop ASAP

This Experiment On Germs Will Have You Cleaning Your Laptop ASAP

{headline}

{headline}

Your "Heart Age" Is Probably Way Older Than You Think

Your "Heart Age" Is Probably Way Older Than You Think

Everything You Need To Know About Testosterone

Everything You Need To Know About Testosterone

Are Plant-Based Protein Substitutes Healthier Than Meat?

Are Plant-Based Protein Substitutes Healthier Than Meat?

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Day

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Day

Just One Run Per Week Can Cut Risk Of Early Death By 27%

Just One Run Per Week Can Cut Risk Of Early Death By 27%

Man Shares Graphic Images Of 40cm Scar After "Sun Spot" Removal

Man Shares Graphic Images Of 40cm Scar After "Sun Spot" Removal

What Is Fascia And Why Is It So Important For Movement?

What Is Fascia And Why Is It So Important For Movement?

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now