TITLE: "Nature or Nurture"… Overcoming Genetic Limitations for Health and Fitness

Dear Wondering,

The fact is, we are born with genetically programmed characteristics, talents, and, unfortunately, limitations in developing and improving our body shape and athletic ability. You have probably heard of the three basic "body types" (see Table). These are convenient for classification, but, like most labels, they are generally not very useful. However, an understanding for your general biotype will allow you to get an idea not only of the type of foods you should and shouldn’t eat, but also what results you can expect from different types of exercise!

It is a generally accepted fact that most of our great athletes and sports figures were blessed with specific genetics that allowed them to develop their bodies to perform and function in particular ways. That means that the successful long-distance runner enjoys a genetic makeup that favors and supports muscle-type and function that enhances endurance activities. The successful weight lifter has a genetic blueprint that favors the generation of muscle fiber that supports short duration high intensity movements. And persons engaged in sports such as football often have the ability be effective in multiple-fiber activity.

There is a whole new science developing specifically targeted towards determining a person’s genetic programming, and allowing them to utilize this programming to their advantage. In other words, such a science when effectively applied will allow a person to know precisely what sports to engage in, how to exercise for maximum benefit, and even what foods to eat, and when to eat them! Hopefully, our profile will support daily consumption of Dairy Queen Ice Cream!

So what does all this mean to "Wondering in Severna Park", and you and I?

Basically, it is this: There are three things that will determine your future health: your genetics, your lifestyle and sometimes just plain luck. However, the only thing you can control is your lifestyle. And "lifestyle" means exactly what you DO to maximize your health and fitness based on the tools and body that you’ve been given.

People have different genetics, and thusly different metabolic needs. One "program" or type of diet and eating style will not work for everyone. Every person has individual needs for carbohydrate, protein, and fat based on their genetics, activity level, and medical needs. Therefore, it is always a good idea to get an experienced professional that you trust to evaluate your specific needs regarding your health, weight management, and exercise goals.

In a word, YES! With the proven benefits of exercise and the trend towards a more sedentary lifestyle, exercise needs to become a routine part of your life. Exercise cannot be viewed simply as a treatment for obesity and disease. Exercise is not about luxury or vanity, but should be part of a lifelong commitment to good health. And to some degree, it will always help!

Modern medical technology may get you to 90, but what kind of shape you are in when you get there is up to you. The health benefits of exercise are well known and include, but are not limited to, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, prevention of cancer, and treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Other health benefits include improved strength, flexibility and coordination as we age, improved energy and sleep and an improved sense of over-all well-being.

Remember that the key to longevity and a rewarding life is a healthy lifestyle. Over half the diseases in this country are related to a poor lifestyle. Exercise is important to your overall well-being, but is only part of a healthy lifestyle. As you start to enjoy the benefits of exercise, try to improve other parts of your life as well. This includes a balance diet, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and getting adequate sleep.

Probably the most important point is that although your genetic programming may LIMIT the specific effects of exercise and good nutrition (you may NOT end up looking like Arnold, or even David…Trish giggles in the background), but choices you make and implement WILL have a profound effect not only on your longevity, but also on your quality of life.

THE THREE BASIC "BODY TYPES":

Ectomorphs - Have a light build with slight muscular development. They are usually tall and thin with small frames and narrow hips and shoulders.

Mesomorphs - Have a husky, muscular build. They often have broad shoulders, and their weight is concentrated in the upper body, making them look compact or stocky.

Endomorphs - Are characterized by a heavy, rounded build with shoulders usually narrower than their hips. They have a round, soft appearance and are more often overweight or obese.