Sports physiologists classify body structures into types based on factors such as bone density, natural musculature, and overall structure. Called “somatotypes,” these classifications can indicate which are the most natural athletic pursuits for an individual. For example, man with a lean, wiry body structure--referred to as an ectomorph--probably won't find great success as a bodybuilder or a football lineman. On the other hand, an endomorph--thick-muscled and heavy-boned--may find marathon running difficult.
Ectomorphs
Ectomorphs are lean, wiry, fine-boned body types. These men are typically what you picture when you think of distance runners and triathletes. Although they may have amazing strength relative to their weight and size, they're seldom built for high-impact, collision-type sports such as rugby. Likewise, they seldom find great success in pure strength sports that favor short, squat men, such as powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. Ectomorphs typically have trouble putting on additional muscle, but they also seldom have much extraneous body fat.
Mesomorphs
Mesomorphs tend to be the generalist athletes physically. Not too thick and not too thin, mesomorphs are the “average” guy. Although a mesomorph can put on muscle mass more easily than an ectomorph, he'll still find it more of a struggle than the endomorph. Most so-called “natural” athletes are mesomorphs. Because they don’t need to struggle to maintain an ideal body structure in the weight room, they can focus their efforts on sport-specific skill development, leading to a more rapid learning rate. Mesomorphs can usually find great success at most athletic pursuits, from sprint running to dancing and gymnastics.
Endomorphs
“Endos” are the gorillas of the athletic world. This somatotype is the guy who can almost pack on muscle just by thinking about food. From powerlifters to football linemen, the big guys who had beards at 14 years old are typically endomorphs. Although they find it pretty easy to pack on muscle mass, endomorphs can find it a challenge to avoid getting fat. This makes dieting crucial in order to maintain a lean body mass. Besides playing the line in football and powerlifting, endomorphs with the self-discipline to adhere to a strict diet may find great success as bodybuilders and Olympic weightlifters.
References
- "Applied Anatomy and Biomechancis in Sport - 2nd Edition;" Timothy R. Ackland, Bruce C. Elliott, and John Bloomfield
- "Essentials of Personal Fitness Training;" National Academy of Sports Medicine; 2007
Member Comments