// WIRED US/UK — SPAZIO & SCIENZA
AlterMe Review: Fitness Built Around My DNA
When I was asked to review AlterMe’s fitness system that claims to use DNA and biometric data to create a personalized fitness, nutrition, and recovery program, I was intrigued. I’ve used some of the best fitness trackers before, but have never tried a system that combines DNA testing, personalized workouts, nutrition insight, and its own smart wearable all within a single ecosystem.
I’m someone who needs constant fitness motivation to stay on track. Rather than push myself through strenuous weights and cardio, I prefer feel-good Pilates and an ice bath at my local David Lloyd gym. But in an effort to step out of my comfort zone and try something a little more challenging, I decided to give AlterMe a go.
I’ve used numerous fitness apps over the years, such as Bala and Freeletics, but not one that suggests specific fitness workouts based on my DNA testing results. AlterMe combines guidance across exercise, nutrition, sleep, and recovery, going beyond simply reporting on your DNA and biometric data to suggest small, manageable actions to drive behavioral change over time.
AlterMe DNA-Powered Personalized Fitness and Wellness Program
There’s no denying that it comes at a premium price, but having workouts and nutrition guidance in one place helped me build better habits—even if the DNA insights weren’t particularly revelatory.
AlterMe’s all-in-one health and fitness program is built around a DNA test and a smart ring that measures data and provides insights and workouts in the app. It’s convenient, but this is an expensive offering. The entry-level AlterMe Essential plan is $1,299, and the AlterMe Advanced plan is $1,899. Both offer biometric tracking, nutrition insights, and fitness workouts accessible from the app, but the Advanced plan gives you a more in-depth DNA analysis and lifetime membership as opposed to the Essential’s three-year membership.
AlterMe DNA-Powered Personalized Fitness and Wellness Program
Upon signing up and answering questions on my weight-loss goals, height, weight, and general fitness levels, I was sent both a DNA cheek-swab kit and a ring sizing kit. I emailed AlterMe to confirm my ring size and sent the DNA swab back in the mail. Within two weeks, I received my AlterMe smart ring and had booked in a date to talk over my Fitness and Wellness Genetic report with an AlterMe representative. I’ve been diving in and out of the app and following the fitness workouts for over six months now.
Research into genetic influence on athletic performance is still developing, and AlterMe acknowledges that its genetic findings reported through DNA testing have not been clinically validated. However, the company conducts its own research to produce a personalized Fitness and Wellness Genetic Report. It says it uses “a rigorous genetic interpretation process that adheres to strict scientific standards” with “scientific integrity” and “robust research.” AlterMe also states that saliva samples are processed in the US in a CLIA- and CAP-certified lab that meets local regulations.
AlterMe DNA-Powered Personalized Fitness and Wellness Program