How Body Type Determines Your Sports Participation

There are many excuses for us not to participate in sports. Whether it is a jet-set life, working 24/7, it will cost too much, a hectic social life, etc.; none has any validity. No even the excuse that you are not of athletic built! It is true that your size, age and sex will have an obvious influence on the specific kind of sports you may do well in – but they are not excuses for not practicing sports.

For especially those who have been living a sedentary life, involvement in one or the other sporting code will most probably do wonders for your physical appearance and general health quality. It will also assist with removing unwanted flab and building firm tissue.

There are three basic body types that may determine the kind of sports to participate in; although few people fit exclusively into any single category, we all lean toward one:

1. Ectomorph

Being thin, small-framed, often tall, slender, delicate and lanky; the ectomorph is attracted to individual sports. They can excel in running and jumping sports where the less weight carried the better. However, they may find swimming strenuous because they lack body fat and must therefore work harder to stay afloat. When physically fit they have endurance and agility.

2. Mesomorph

Being of medium or average build, broad shouldered and well-muscled, the mesomorph does well in any sport requiring strength, endurance or agility. Although aesthetical proportioned and athletic in appearance it does not mean that the mesomorph is in better physical condition. They must too work hard on their fitness.

3. Endomorph

Being round and soft with ill-defined muscles and short limbs, the endomorph is compact, with good power and strength but often lacking in endurance. With buoyancy they will do well in swimming but will not make it in running or tennis very well.

In deciding on a suitable sport, with due cognizance of the body type, other physical factors however, also play a role:

• Age: There is no age limit on participation in sports but there must be a degree of caution the older you are.

• Sex: Gender need not to influence your choice of sport although in some cases it will affect the degree of excellence.

• Personality: Extroverted people need company and will do well in a social competitive sport like tennis. Introverts will be able to preserve with a sport like swimming where a technique can be perfected.

• Handicaps: Unless the condition is acute, a person with a handicap, like heart disease can also participate but with consent of a physician.

• Life style: Your type of work, where you live, the availability of facilities and clubs and expenses must be taken into account.

Participation in sporting activities will be more fun and more beneficial if you ask neither too much of yourself nor too little. But, there may never be an excuse not to participate.