As you grow older, your body forms a shape that’s mainly dependant on your genetic makeup.
This lets
you know what kind of body you will have, and how well it will work.
To know which sports you’re likely to excel at, it’s best to know which body shape and type are right for
certain activities.
From a scientific point of view, there are three main components of how your body is built. These are:
body type, body size (height and weight) and body composition (body fat percentage).
To maximise the advantages of your body type, you need to identify your body type. Then, you can
focus on the optimal exercises your body needs, and which sports would be perfect for your body type.
Sporting genes
Physiologists have defined three main body shapes: endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph.
Endomorph
An endomorph has a pear-shaped body with some fat on the body, upper arms and thighs. Endomorphs
can build strength. Most endomorphs have a higher percentage of body fat than the other types, thanks
to a slower and endurance-orientated metabolism. They have to watch what they eat though, and work
a little harder to maintain an ideal body weight and a toned body.
They excel at:
Rugby (in the front line where bulk is useful or as a short and quick scrum half).
Weightlifting and super-heavyweight boxing.
Long-distance swimming.
Cross-country.
Rowing.
Shot putt, discus and hammer throwing.
Wrestling.
They also need to take care of their joints because of the extra pressure from the excess weight and
muscle. Instead of jogging, rather cycle, row, swim or do race walking to stay fit.
Mesomorph
This body shape is the classic V shape that has narrow hips and a wedge-shaped body. Mesomorphs are
known as “genetically gifted”. This type responds well to cardio and resistance training and with the
minimal body fat it carries; it could excel at most sports. Mesomorphs gain or lose weight easily, it
allows them to adapt to the needs of the specific sport. Male mesomorphs have the classical V-shaped
body with broad shoulders, muscular arms and legs, a narrow waist and minimal body fat. The female
mesomorph has an hourglass figure and is slim and trim.
They excel at sports that have to do with endurance, speed, resistance, flexibility, strength and cardio:
Figure skating.
Artistic gymnastics.
Bodybuilding.
Soccer.
Rugby.
Hockey.
Cricket.
Tennis.
Golf.
Swimming.
Athletics, especially sprinting and triathlons.
Ectomorphs
Ectomorphs are usually medium to tall and slender with a thin physique. They have a very fast
metabolism and are slow to gain weight and muscle. Because they have a delicate frame, strength and
power-focused sports may leave them susceptible to injuries.A typical female ectomorph’s physique is
often flat-chested and not necessarily curvy. However, experts advise that athletes with this body type
focus on the techniques of the sport they’re doing and train like performance athletes.
This type excels in endurance-type sports like:
Basketball.
Marathons and triathlons.
Gymnastics and ballet.
Tennis and squash.
Although ectomorphs struggle to put on weight, they need to follow a healthy diet because low levels of
body fat can be damaging to their health. Females are known to be at risk and could develop iron
deficiencies and menstruation [Link]’s possible that you could have the qualities of more than one
body type. You may be an endomorph with some mesomorph characteristics or vice versa, or you may
be a mesomorph with some ectomorph characteristics or vice versa. It’s best to know which sports suit
your body type to give you the maximum physical benefits.
