Great jeans? Let’s talk about “great genes”…

Unless you’ve been living under a kettlebell, you’ve probably seen the “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” ad. Cue internet chaos. Some people read it as a cheeky pun on fashion and genetics. Others heard dog whistles about race, privilege, and who gets praised for having “great genes.” I just think a company are trying to sell some clothes. But here's the bit I actually agree with...

Genes do matter.

Your genetics influence your height, frame, injury risk, muscle fibre makeup, and yes — how easily you put on fat or muscle. But you know what they don’t do?

They don’t force you to skimp on your veggies.
They don’t make you avoid lifting weights.
They don’t prevent you from sleeping more, drinking less, or going for a walk instead of doomscrolling.

In other words:

Genetics load the gun.
Your behaviours pull the trigger.

Yes — some people can do the bare minimum and look like they train six days a week.

And others need to be more intentional just to feel good in their own skin.

But nobody gets to outsource responsibility to their DNA.

At Gather, we work with all kinds of bodies — different builds, ages, backgrounds, starting points. The results aren’t dictated by your genes. They’re shaped by your decisions.

So whether you’ve got "great genes" or a stubborn streak of bad luck in the family tree…

You’re not stuck.
You’re not broken.
And you’re definitely not defined by what you inherited.

Let’s make your choices louder than your genetics.