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Which body type are you? It may mean the difference between success and failure in your workouts
By Christina | September 9, 2008
If you have been working out for awhile and have not seen changes in your body although you are sure you are doing everything right, eating as well as the workouts, then perhaps you need to look into your body type and see if what you are doing matches what you need. There are three basic body types - ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph; knowing your body type may be the difference between finally realizing your goals and continuing fighting an uphill battle.
Knowing your body type will help you to know how your body works, your metabolism, and how your body gains (or loses) weight.
Ectomorph - An ectomorph is typically a pretty thin person with a light build, small joints and lean muscle. Usually ectomorph’s have long thin limbs with stringy muscles. Shoulders tend to be thin with little width.An ectomorph has a difficult time gaining weight and subsequently, muscle. Ectomorphs need to focus on calorie intake, long rest periods, and minimum cardio.
Characteristics of an Ectomorph:
- Small “delicate” frame and bone structure
- Classic “hardgainer”
- Flat chest
- Small shoulders
- Thin
- Lean muscle mass
- Finds it hard to gain weight
- Fast metabolism
Ectomorphs have a tough time when it comes to gaining weight because of their fast metabolism which burns up calories very quickly. This body type needs to eat a large amount of calories in order to gain weight. Exercise sessions should be short and intense focusing on big muscle groups. Ectomorphs should eat before bed to prevent muscle catabolism during the night. Generally, ectomorphs can lose fat very easily which makes cutting back to lean muscle easy for them.
Mesomorph - A mesomorph has a large frame thanks to their bone structure. In addition they are characterized by large muscles and have a naturally athletic body. If you are a mesomorph, you are genetically predisposed for greater success in bodybuilding. This body type gains and loses weight easily.
Characteristics of a Mesomorph:
- Athletic
- Hard body with well defined muscles
- Rectangular shaped body
- Strong
- Gains muscle easily
- Gains fat more easily than ectomorphs
The mesomorph body type reacts quickly to resistance training. Changes in the body are seen very quickly, especially for beginners. Mesomorphs gain fat more easily than ectomorphs so they cannot eat whatever they like or as many calories as an ectomorph. A good workout for this body is a combination of weight training and cardio.
Endomorph - The endomorph body type is solid and generally not muscular. Endomorphs put on excess fat easily. Their body build is typically shorter in stature with thick arms and legs and have strong muscles especially the upper legs. Endomorphs find they are naturally strong in leg exercises like the squat.
Typical traits of an Endomorph:
- Soft and round body
- Gains muscle and fat very easily
- Is generally short and “stocky”
- Round physique
- Finds it hard to lose fat
- Slow metabolism
Unfortunately for the endomorph, a large portion of their weight tends to be fat not muscle. To keep fat gain to a minimum, endomorphs must always train cardio as well as weights. Usually supplements may not be needed as long as the person has a high protein intake in their diet.
These body types aren’t set in stone and actually most people are a combination of two types. It is a good idea to be aware of which you are and train accordingly.
Topics: Exercise, General, Personal Training |