Body Composition
The human body is an absolute marvel of natural engineering. It is able to adapt and survive in almost every habitat on the planet, and is capable of performing some amazing feats of physical movement.
Along with these accomplishments, the body is also highly adaptable physically, subtly changing its form to meet the demands of its owner and environment.
I have often wondered to what extent the human body is anchored to its genetic blueprint, and how much of an individuals bodily composition is tied to their own chosen activities and exercises.
This question has been important to me because throughout my life I have always had difficulty with building lean body mass. Now, when exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, the gains are sure to come; but it is frustrating sometimes to witness others gain pounds of muscle as if it were nothing.
Even when out of shape, I never really got very fat, maybe just skinny fat. I suppose my relatively tall height of 6’5″ helped with this, but I’ve seen some pretty fat tall people before.
At a recent fitness and nutrition conference in Orlando, FL I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Doug McGuff, author of the book Body by Science. During his talk, he shared an interesting anecdote which ultimately prompted this particular blog post. He recalled the trips he would take with his wife and family to the local swimming pool to do some laps.
On one occasion, he overhead another person saying how they were intent on taking up swimming so that they could get the “long and lean” body of a competitive swimmer. The concept didn’t seem that outlandish to me, after-all body builders pursue a specific type of exercise to produce a given result.
Sport-specific Body Type
Doug went on to point out, that anybody who had ever been to a swim meet would know that the body types of the participants changed remarkably as the day went on. In the beginning you might see a large variety of heights and figures standing atop the blocks.
But, as the field narrowed to the top swimmers, you gradually saw a homogenization of the competitors to what must be realized as the “ideal” body type and composition for the sport of swimming. Obviously one will conjure up an image of Michael Phelps.
Doug’s point is, that it is the genetics that choose the sport, and not the reverse.
Your personal genome will somehow dictate what the ideal physical expression (phenotype) of your genes are, and the activities that support or enhance that type of expression will undoubtedly be sought out.
Is it hard to believe that we consciously, or subconsciously participate in activities and sports which seem to draw upon our innate strengths and abilities, theoretically determined somewhat by our genetics? Sure there are plenty of cases of short basketball players, or small cornerbacks on the football team – but they are the exception, and not the rule.
In my pursuit to gain more muscle and build up lean body mass, am I just working against the programming of my body and whittling away energy on a fools errand? Or is my body’s physical future still an open book, waiting to be written?
What do you think, how much control over our body composition and physical form do we really have control over?
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6 Responses to Activity or Genome: Which Determines Our Body Composition?
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There’s a lot of truth to your genetics determining your body type. I have the typical distance runner build – skinny but defined with a very low body fat percentage. I have taken time off from running and focused on lifting and gaining weight…to my dismay. It didn’t work out. My weight only fluctuates by a few pounds if I’m running 20 miles per week or 85.
I feel very “anchored to my genetic blueprint” as you so eloquently phrased it. It worked out because I love doing what my body is shaped for.
- Fitz.
.-= Fitz´s last blog ..VO2 Max Testing and Ventilatory Threshold- I Need Your Help! =-.
“It worked out because I love doing what my body is shaped for.”
I wonder if that is our brain’s way of secretly getting us to do the kinds of things our personal genetics predispose us to be good at.
I think we have a good deal of control over getting the best expression of our genes possible through proper diet and activity, but that expression may not always match up to what we want to do. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing if you keep the right attitude about it. I’m 6’6″ and 225lbs so while my goal of being a professional jockey (hypothetical) may never come to fruition it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy horseback riding.
So, while your gains in building lean body mass may not be as expedient as others, if you have realistic goals I don’t see working out as detrimental. You may never take first place at the CrossFit games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy doing a WOD, and the benefits that come with it.
It’s human nature to enjoy activities at which we excel, but we shouldn’t limit ourselves to only the activities at which we have a natural ability.
I think PETA would have a problem with it, Elmer’s on the other hand…
Never get first place at the CrossFit games!?! Justin, you’re crushing my dreams! heheh, just kidding. I would however, pay to see a horse try to carry you around the track for the Kentucky Derby.
Good post, thanks. To answer one of your closing questions, it is possible to undermine the genetics of your body type. I also had a small frame and didn’t think there was hope in putting on any more muscle mass. My website has my story and the program that turned it around for me.
.-= Smuthe´s last blog ..Muscle Building Basics For Beginners =-.