Biological Theory

Biological Theory

by Vibha Singh

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Body type analyses is gateway for sports selection, prowess, and training response.

Certain body types are suited to certain sports, there is still a considerable degree of "you are what you train for".

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Ectomorphs

 

Ectomorph body type are of slight build and possess fast metabolisms. With a low body fat and a smaller build, ectomorphs genetically find it harder than the other body types to gain bodyweight or build muscle mass. An athletic archetype of an ectomorph is the marathon runner.

​Ectomorph Physical Traits

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·       Slight frame and bone structure

·       Narrow shoulders

·       Naturally lean

·       Flat chest

·       Fast metabolism

·       Finds it difficult to gain weight

·       Finds building additional muscle mass challenging

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Famous Ectomorph Athletes

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·       Usain Bolt

·       Michael Phelps

·       Rafael Nadal

·       Bruce Lee

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Training

Ectomorphs are genetically predisposed to have the optimum physic for sports like long-distance running and certain field athletics such as hurdles. The ectomorph body type is perfect for any sport requiring speed, however extra attention to strength training would usually be required for competitive and contact sports. Due to their fast metabolism, ectomorphs seeking to gain body weight or muscle mass should focus upon strength and resistance training with minimal cardio.

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Mesomorphs

 

A mesomorph body type is those who have a medium frame and bone structure. With a considerable level of lean body mass, they are genetically predisposed to an athletic body. Generally, mesomorphs tend to be growth hormone dominant, which makes them physically inclined to easy muscle gain and naturally maintaining lower body fat.

​Mesomorph Physical Traits

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·       Medium frame

·       Athletic and toned body

·       Muscle definition

·       Generally rectangular-shaped body

·       Strong

·       Gains muscle easily

​Famous Mesomorph Athletes

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·       Arnold Schwarzenegger

·       Anna Kournikova

·       Andre Agassi

·       Cristiano Ronaldo

·       Venus Williams

​Training 

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The mesomorph predisposition to building muscle means that they respond quickly to training, with physical results appearing relatively quickly. Because of this predisposition, mesomorphs have the best natural body type for bodybuilding and strength-based sports. However, mesomorphs can gain fat with muscular gain, so calorie allowances have to be made to complement their chosen sport or training and cardio should also be practiced alongside weight training.

​Endomorphs

 

An endomorph body type is naturally predisposed to a ‘softer’ body mass and a higher body fat ratio. With a slower metabolism than the other body types, endomorphs are insulin dominant, meaning that their body more readily stores energy as body fat. However, endomorphs also gain muscle with relative ease. With the correct training and nutritional approach, endomorph athletes can truly optimise their physic and athletic performance, effectively harnessing their natural strength.

​Endomorph Physical Traits

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·       Soft body with minimal natural muscle definition

·       Tends towards a round body shape

·       Prone to gaining fat

·       Usually, have a larger bone structure

·       Slower metabolism

·       Finds it more difficult than the other body types to lose fat

​Famous Endomorph Athletes 

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·       Jay Cutler

·       Wayne Rooney

·       Markus Ruhl

​Training

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Due to their propensity towards a higher body fat ratio, an endomorph workout would benefit most from emphasising cardio in order to minimise weight gain from fat. Weight training is also important in order to build muscle mass, and therefore boost the metabolic rate.

Even those seeking to build muscle need to supplement their training with cardio in order to reduce fat and allow muscle visibility.