What men have bad biceps growth.

 The complex world of bodybuilding is filled with questions and concerns, particularly around the elusive bicep growth of men. Many novice bodybuilders often ponder if their genetic makeup predisposes them to muscle development. The reality is that when nature has not endowed a man with the gift of muscle hypertrophy, it becomes a formidable challenge to achieve the desired parameters. This is a vexing problem that is explored in meticulous detail by sports physiologist Lyle MacDonald in his seminal work, "What is Muscle Genetic Potential?".

One critical factor in determining an individual's potential for bicep growth is the constitution, or body type, to which a man belongs. As espoused by the learned scientist, there are three main categories:

• Ectomorph (lean)
• Mesomorph (muscular)
• Endomorph (prone to corpulence)

Invariably, the easiest path to crafting an athletic and muscular frame replete with voluminous biceps lies in the lap of mesomorphs, as they possess an inherent feature that enables them to build muscle mass with minimal fat accumulation. Ectomorphs, on the other hand, are not predisposed to muscle growth, and endomorphs typically carry a preponderance of body fat.

To determine which genetic category a man falls into, it is possible to measure the circumference of the wrist, a simple yet informative technique that can be done at home. The wrist's width is measured at the widest point along the bone, and those who are slim and lean (ectomorphs) have a wrist width of less than 18 cm. Athletic mesomorphs have a width of 18-19 cm, while big-boned endomorphs measure over 19 cm. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that this test is valid for men who are not less than 160 cm in height and is not a foolproof assessment.

Another crucial factor that determines bicep growth is the level of certain hormones in the body. According to the information published in the book "Somatotype and Metabolic Indicators for Fitness" by P. Katzmaryk, R. Malina, T. Song, and K. Bouchard (1998), men with reduced testosterone levels, elevated cortisol levels, and low muscle insulin sensitivity typically have poor biceps growth.

Testosterone is a critical hormone that is directly correlated with muscle volume, and a reduction in this hormone's levels can adversely impact muscle growth. Elevated cortisol levels lead to a longer recovery period, while insulin sensitivity plays a crucial role in determining where calories are deposited - in fat or muscle tissue.

The relationship between metabolism and bicep growth is another crucial aspect to consider. Men with slower metabolism are more prone to gain fat mass quickly, and besides medical problems, the natural metabolism tends to decrease after the age of 25, making it more challenging to build biceps with age.

However, it is important to note that no matter how "unsuitable" a man's genetics may seem, a well-crafted workout regimen and a healthy, balanced diet can significantly alter the body's proportions in the desired direction. It may require a bit more effort and time, but the results can be truly transformational.