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Are You Training for the Wrong Body Type?

By Kenneth Taylor

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Published: 19Jan2012
Word count: 708
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One Size Does NOT Fit All

We, as a human species, are all generally the same. We are generally designed to have two arms and legs, a torso and a head. However, if we look at ourselves from the other extreme, each human, and in this case, each athlete, is individually different from the other. Some athletes have short legs and a long torso, others may have long legs and a short torso. By and large we can describe humans in a general way and put ourselves into three different categories or body types: the Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph. What are you?

The Ectomorph type body is generally long, lean, and slim with light density bones and joints and muscles. These athletes find it difficult to keep weight on and have to work twice as hard to get strong when compared to the Mesomorph type athlete. The Mesomorph is a sort of medium build athlete with very dense muscle mass and strong bone structure and usually gains muscle mass and strength very quickly. Endomorphs are typically have a very round type body shape with wide hips and narrow shoulders and are sort of soft. The Endomorph athlete may have a much more difficult time keeping extra fat and weight off versus the Mesomorph and Ectomorph type athlete.

As we train for speed, these different body types (or natural genetics) play an important roll in speed development. Don't overlook this important detail to training - body type must be taken into account! Most of us are a combination of two of the body types. All three have certain stereotypical responses when it comes to running and especially, running fast.

The Endomorph athlete is very interesting. Their center of mass tends to be in the mid section of the body which typically dominates their appearance. However, within that center of mass may be a very large amount of hidden power, strength, coordination, and rhythm. As stated earlier, they have a tendency to carry a lot of extra weight, usually around the belly and upper thighs, so spotting their strengths is sometimes difficult. But more often than not, the great qualities are there - they have just never been given a chance to come out or given the patience to develop and rehearse the appropriate motions that would bring their gifts out.

It is generally predictable that the Ectomorph athlete is a long-legged strider. They typically have long and narrow feet. When running, their feet tend to strike the ground flat and sometimes hard. Usually, the Ectomorphs feet tend to stay in contact with the ground for a longer than necessary period of time. Their feet typically strike the ground with their heals first or they completely miss the ball of the foot by rolling over them. Further, their stride length and cycle action are very big, pronounced, and can be sort of "floppy" looking. In the youth athlete, it may appear that they don't have control over their stride. Further and sometimes more common, is the long follow-through and high back-kick of the lower leg and foot within the stride cycle. It may look like they are kicking their own butt, and they sometimes do.

As stated earlier, Mesomorph athletes are the general mid-size athlete that is very muscular and very symmetrically built. This type of runner possesses great amounts of muscle and muscle density. They can, in fact, gain muscle strength very fast and are what some call in the weight room...naturally strong. These athletes also have very strong and stable joints and tendons and bone density as well.

Think about what type of body you or your athlete is - the Ectomorph, Mesomorph, or Endomorph? Decide which one and follow a speed training program that is specific to that body type. Not all training programs are the same. One size does not fit all. A really good speed trainer or track coach will be able to analyze your body and provide insight, as well as a training program, based on your specific body style.

Good luck and "be well and be fast."

Ken Taylor is a SAQ pioneer and Sport Speed Expert who has trained thousands of athletes from all different sports for over 20 years. He holds a degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Science. He was a world class triple jumper and played for the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX team and the San Diego Chargers. Ken is the author of, SPEED: How to Run Faster Immediately. For info, visit http://www.speeddr.com

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