Body Shape Linked to Your Taste buds

 
Scientists can determine someone's favorite food from their body shape. They have discovered that the arrangement of tastebuds on the tongue varies for different body types. The sci­entist team examined 1000 British adults and divided them into three physiologically recognized body typesectomorphs, endomorphs and mesomorphs. They determined that a person's body type indicated where they were likely to have the most tastebuds- on the sweet, bitter or salty areas of their tongue.

The study showed that ectomorphs, who make up one in three of the population, usually have a small delicate shape, have a sweet tooth but hate bitter foods. Mesomorphs, who make up 20 per cent of the population, usually have a muscular shape and prefer salty or bitter foods but dislike sweet foods. Half the British populations are endomorphs with soft, rounded bodies, and they like most foods. The findings showed that for two in three people food preference was a physiological rather than a psychological choice.

Although it appear that simply by looking at an individual's body shape we can make assumptions about their taste preferences, it is difficult to dictate whether our body shape dictates the food we like, or the food we like dictates bodyshape. It stands to reason people who prefer most types of foods will be fatter and people who are the endomorph shape tend to finds it more difficult to lose weight.

Musculoskeletal Flexibility

Optimal musculoskeletal function requires that an adequate range of motion be maintained in all joints. Of particular importance is maintenance of muscular flexibility in the lower back and posterior thigh regions. Lack of muscular flexibility in this area may be associated with an increased risk for the development of chronic lower back pain. Therefore, preventive and rehabilitative exercise programs should include activities that promote the maintenance of muscular flexibility. Lack of muscular flexibility is prevalent in the elderly among whom this condition often contributes to a reduced ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Accordingly, muscular strength exercises for the elderly should emphasize proper stretching routine, especially for the upper and lower trunk, neck, and hip regions.

There are different types of stretching techniques, such as static stretching and ballistic stretching that can be performed.

Properly performed routine stretching exercises can aid in improving and maintaining range of motion in a joint or series of joints. Muscular flexibility exercises should be performed in a slow, controlled manner with a gradual progression to greater ranges of motion. A general sports therapy prescription for achieving and maintaining muscular flexibility should adhere to the following guidelines:
•Frequency: At least 3 days per week
•Intensity: To a position of mild discomfort
•Duration: 10 to 30 seconds for each types of stretching
•Repetitions: 3 to 5 for each types of stretching
•Type: Static, with a major emphasis on the lower back and thigh area

Guidelines for an Optimal Training Load

The optimal training load for an individual athlete depends on various factors, including genetic make - up, lifestyle, and state of initial fitness.

There are no hard and fast rules for determining how and when to adjust the training load, but empirical evidence suggests that an increase of no more than 5 % each week during a training micro - cycle allows for adaptation and recovery.Furthermore, intensity and volume of training should not be increased simultaneously.

Not being able to devise a numerical index for training intensity and volume makes it difficult to quantify the training load. Therefore, training must be carefully documented in the athlete's diary  by athletic trainers. The athletes’ subjective responses to and feelings about the training should be monitored and recorded, as should lifestyle factors such as hours and quality of sleep, nutrition, and other stressors by physical trainers. If signs of over training do become apparent, a careful record of activities should help pinpoint possible causes.