From WIRED · Emily Peck · · 4m
I tested AlterMe's DNA fitness system for six months
A personalized workout app that combines DNA testing, a smart ring, and AI coaching costs $1,299 to $1,899. Does it work?
In brief
A personalized workout app that combines DNA testing, a smart ring, and AI coaching costs $1,299 to $1,899. Does it work? AlterMe's DNA-based fitness system helped the reviewer build better habits through personalized workouts and nutrition tracking, but the DNA insights were not particularly revelatory and the…
Quick answers
- What is AlterMe?
- AlterMe is a fitness system combining DNA testing, a smart ring wearable, and an app that creates personalized workouts, nutrition guidance, and recovery plans based on your genetic profile and biometric data.
- What is the key takeaway from I tested AlterMe's DNA fitness system for six months?
- AlterMe's DNA-based fitness system helped the reviewer build better habits through personalized workouts and nutrition tracking, but the DNA insights were not particularly revelatory and the premium price may not justify the results.
What is AlterMe?
AlterMe is a fitness system combining DNA testing, a smart ring wearable, and an app that creates personalized workouts, nutrition guidance, and recovery plans based on your genetic profile and biometric data.
The price tag
The entry-level AlterMe Essential plan costs one thousand two hundred ninety nine dollars.The Advanced plan costs one thousand eight hundred ninety nine dollars.
Getting started
After signing up and providing weight, height, and fitness goals, the reviewer received a DNA cheek-swab kit and ring sizing kit by mail.
DNA testing caveats
AlterMe acknowledges its genetic findings have not been clinically validated.The company says it uses a rigorous genetic interpretation process with scientific integrity and conducts its own research.
What the DNA report revealed
The report claimed to show how the reviewer's body responds to exercise, nutrition, recovery, and stress.
Genetic markers examined
AlterMe representatives explained the assessment looks at markers including ADRB2 rs1042713 and LPL rs328 for cardio response, and variants near FTO, GNPDA2, NEGR1, and SLC39A8 for resistance training body composition changes.
Motivation insight
The report told the reviewer she is externally motivated to exercise, suggesting she may not naturally enjoy physical activity for its own sake. The reviewer found this assessment felt familiar and accurate to her experience.
The smart ring hardware
AlterMe's smart ring uses PPG sensors to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer to track activity.It has a titanium outer frame available in gold, silver, or Stealth black finishes.
Ring versus Oura
AlterMe's ring is similar to Oura's Ring five offering but more closed.AlterMe combines wearable data with genetic insights to generate AI-powered daily workout plans.
Ring design drawback
The gold finish picked up scuff marks after a couple of months.The reviewer found the ring quite bulky and thicker than the sleek Oura Ring five, which sometimes got in the way when lifting weights.
Readiness score system
The app uses heart rate variability, resting heart rate, sleep, and activity load to generate a readiness score from zero to one hundred.
Workout variety and length
The app offers stretch, strength, cardio, yoga, and combat-style sessions.Workouts range from five to forty minutes, with twenty minutes being the average.
Workout choice matters
AlterMe representatives said giving users choice is intentional.Without choice, consistency is hard.The company wants to offer useful guidance while leaving users in control of effort.
“Without choice, it's hard for you to stay consistent.”
Nutrition tracking and recipes
The app generates meal and snack ideas by referencing DNA to help hit macro targets.Users can generate recipes in under twenty seconds.
Personalized nutrition guidance
The Nutrition tab provides calorie and macro guidance based on DNA results, weight, BMI, activity level, and weight-loss goals. The reviewer's DNA report suggested average protein response and low response to carbs and fats.
Body composition scanning
The app has a three D body composition scanning feature using phone camera photos.It estimates BMI, body-fat percentage, lean mass, and body part circumferences.Repeated scans show whether and where the body is changing over time.
Privacy and data handling
AlterMe notes on its site that it destroys DNA samples after testing. Extracted DNA is retained for just forty five days for quality assurance. The reviewer acknowledged understandable privacy concerns around handing over DNA data.
Six months of use
After six months using AlterMe, the reviewer felt physically stronger due to training regularity.The app made her more aware of what she ate.
Final verdict
The reviewer said AlterMe has not altered her but can be a helpful tool for building positive habits if you follow workouts and track nutrition.The DNA testing was insightful but not groundbreaking.
“It makes me feel like I have a personal trainer in my pocket, ready to bark orders at me whenever I need a little push.”
The big picture
AlterMe's DNA-based fitness system helped the reviewer build better habits through personalized workouts and nutrition tracking, but the DNA insights were not particularly revelatory and the premium price may not justify the results.
