Mesomorphs are more likely to have this “fast” gene than other body types, which may explain why sprinters tend to fall into the mesomorphic body type. Elite marathon runners tend to be ectomorphs while elite sumo wrestlers are usually more endomorphic.
A big body type that is ectomorphic or mesomorphic is going to be much better at sprinting as these traits make people much stronger. Shorter runners with thin body types tend to make better long-distance runners than taller runners as long and large legs make it difficult to lift and propel a body forward.
More mesomorphic body types are sprint swimmers with high power energy systems. Research shows that an ideal 100m sprinter is tall, with a strong mesomorphic body shape with a high percentage of fast twitch fibres (more than 80%).
That's an ectomorph. Ectomorphs are typically slender with small joints and a light build. They have a narrow frame and fast metabolism, meaning they're often able to overeat without gaining much weight.
For competitive marathon running, the best body type is: relatively short small framed low weight long legs (especially lower legs) The average elite men's height is (IIRC) 5′ 7'', and they are very skinny (as so many of the Quorans who post pictures of elite marathon runners as 'evidence' that running is bad for you).
Ectomorphs have a fast metabolism, are slow to gain muscle, lose weight easily and have difficulty in gaining weight. Ectomorphs find it easy to lose & keep off excess body weight very easily. They're often naturally good at endurance types of exercise, especially where low body weight is an advantage such as running.
Ectomorph Body Type
People with this body type have little observable body fat, are only lightly muscled, and have a small frame and joints. Long-distance runners often have ectomorph builds because they have less weight to move over the many miles.
Mesomorphs are more prone to weight gain even though they tend to have low body fat levels. They tend to gain or lose weight easily.
And this metabolic rate in one species of three-toed sloth was the lowest ever recorded — not just for a sloth, but for any mammal. Six species make up the category of animals that most people call sloths. All fall into one of two families — either the two-toed or three-toed sloths.
Endomorphs have narrow shoulders and fat deposits in the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs. This distribution of body weight and fat makes it challenging to reduce weight and needs precise training methods.
Overall, men believed a more mesomorph (a more muscular) body shape to be more attractive to others; while women believed a more ectomorph (thin) body shape to be more attractive to others.
Sprinters have a more massive body shape, shorter lower legs in relation to the length of the thigh, broader shoulders and narrower hips, greater musculature and cellular mass. A slender figure, a longer shin, and the greatest subcutaneous fat and extracellular mass characterize long-distance runners.
The most aerodynamic shape in the world, the teardrop, comes from nature. With its rounded nose at the front that tapers towards the rear, the shape is formed by the flow of water down an object meeting opposition from the air around it.
Mesomorphs are more likely to have this “fast” gene than other body types, which may explain why sprinters tend to fall into the mesomorphic body type. Elite marathon runners tend to be ectomorphs while elite sumo wrestlers are usually more endomorphic.
Speed Can Be Genetic
“Taller individuals burn more energy, but they also tend to have bigger muscles that can generate more power and store more fuel, while shorter individuals tend to be more efficient,” Matty says.
A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.
Conclusions. These data not only confirm the findings of a lower metabolic rate in African American than in white women, but also suggest that fat oxidation is lower in African American men than in white men.
From the age of about 20 to 60, your metabolic rate actually remains pretty consistent. A 2021 study published in Science found that metabolic rate starts to decrease after age 60, by about 0.7 percent each year. A slow metabolism is often blamed for weight gain later in life.
An ectomorph is a typical skinny guy. Ectomorphs have a light build with small joints and lean muscle. Usually, ectomorphs have long thin limbs with stringy muscles. Shoulders tend to be thin with little width.
Apple Shape
Abdominal obesity is probably the most dangerous of all, and apple body shape is considered at the highest risk for health issues compared to the other body types. Larger waists can mean higher risk of heart disease. It can also mean higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The areas of the body with more visible fat have cells that the alpha-2 receptors control. These include the lower belly, hips, thighs, and chin. The fat cells in these areas don't usually respond well to diet and exercise.
Endomorph body types represent people who are generally unhealthy. Yes, those with an endomorph body type by definition have higher levels of body fat, but that body fat can be lost through proper diet and exercise.
“Runner's Face” is a term used to describe the worn out and 'skeletal' look that runners sometimes develop in their later years. As running causes us to burn lots of fat, doing lots of it tends to create areas of volume loss that become more pronounced as we get older.
AEven runners who stay in top shape as they age may see their waistlines expand because of declining levels of “youth” hormones, such as DHEA, which alter where body fat is stored. While your diet may not have changed much, certain foods can have a bigger impact on weight gain as you age.