What Is Your Body Type?
Because we come in all shapes and sizes with different heights and body structures, most old school weight/height charts are undependable as there is no such thing as an ideal weight. Given that muscle mass weighs more than fat, some of the world’s best athletes would register as obese on old school weight/height charts. By establishing what body type you are you can get a better idea of how your body type will change with exercise. Your somatotype or body type is inherited and it determines how your body will respond and change through exercise. There are three categories to help you make this determination: Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph. Remember these are general classifications. Most of us have a mixture of two or all three.
I have always wondered what my body type is. Thank you for opening this discussion.
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ReplyDeleteEctomorph
ReplyDeleteEctomorphs tend to be tall and slender, with narrow shoulders and hips, long, thin arms and legs and narrow chests. They carry less body fat and not much bulk. Ectomorphs find it difficult to put on muscle mass. Many long distant runners are considered to have ectomorphic frames.
Mesomorph
Mesomorphs are square shaped, hard muscled, broad shouldered and slender-waisted with powerful hips. They are large boned, strong-necked and have heavily muscled legs. If a picture of tennis champion Serena Williams comes to mind you would be right. She is the opposite of her Ectomorph sister. Mesomorphs find it easy to increase muscle mass through weight training while slimming down their overall body structure is more difficult.
Endomorph
Endomorphs are shorter, wide hipped, short-necked individuals with heavy thighs and buttocks and large stomachs. Endomorphs carry more fat tissue, gain weight easily and even when not overweight are rounded; they will find losing body fat more difficult than most.
Whether you are an Ectomorph or an Endomorph, everyone has something about their bodies that they do not like. Me for instance, I have always wanted thicker thighs. Have you seen the thighs on soccer players? But alas, I am an Ectomorph and try as hard as I might I have only managed to muscle up the legs that I have; unfortunately, with out the bulk. But that’s ok. No matter what type you are, ALL body types can be improved and developed through proper eating and exercise practices. So even though I will never have soccer player legs, through proper training and exercise I have developed well toned and strong legs that I am very proud of. I guess what I’m really trying to say is when you accept the body you have; you have a much better chance of changing it into a healthy strong body you can be proud of.
This is great to know! I am Ectomorph. What should I focus on when working out?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent question Isabel.
ReplyDeleteEctomorphs are primarily thin, but as I wrote previously, we all are likely to have a mixture of one or more of the other body types. Since you did not specify what body part you are trying to focus on, I will answer your question in general terms. Ectomorphs find it difficult to put on bulk so my suggestion to you is to focus on more reps. More reps will allow you to burn more calories and build lean muscle mass. Incorporating lite weights will also help to increase muscle mass.
Thanks again for your question. Hope to hear from you for our next fitness class lesson. Until then many happy results!
I'm an ectomorph. My area of focus is my stomach. Is it easier for ectomorphs to lose weight?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question Ky. While most Ectomorphs have the luxury of being thin, most body types find it difficult to lose weight. Not because it is difficult to trim down but mainly becasue it takes a change of diet, exercise and discipline. Once these three are in place and followed, weight loss occurs. And yes, that means a leaner stomach as well. Happy results!
ReplyDeleteAsare is it possible to be an Ectomorph, mesomorph, and Endomorph all in one shot? I feel like I can identify with each of these categories.
ReplyDeleteHello Ms. David. While it is true that most body's have a mixture of body types, it's very rare to find someone with all three. What specifically is it about your own body that makes you beleive that you have a mixture of all three? Once I know this maybe I can help you by giving a more in depth answer.
ReplyDeleteI can identify with being an Ectomorph because I have narrow hips. I have the broad shoulder of a Mesomorph, and like an Endomorph I am a "short-necked individual with heavy thighs I carry more fat tissue, gain weight and I find losing body fat more difficult than most."
ReplyDeleteThis is my unique mixture! Please help.
Hello Ms David. As a lifestyle consultant it is exciting to find someone with such a mixture. It is rare to have your mixture of body type. As a good faith measure I would like to offer you a free training session so I can do two things: 1, confirm the body mixture you detailed (I say this not because I don't believe your assessment but because most women have a harsher view of their bodies than is reality) and 2, to show you the general excercises needed to meet the challenge of your unique mixture which will help you with your workouts going forward. Please contact me at bodylabfitness@yahoo.com to set up an appointment. I look forward to helping you meet your personal fitness goals.
ReplyDeleteAsare, thank you for this information. Now that I know what body type I am I could better modify my exercise regimen to meet my fitness goals.
ReplyDeleteI am a Ectomorphs and it is difficult to put on muscle weight. Shouldn't I increase the weights instead of doing more reps?
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, yes if you want to put on muscle weight you will have to increase the weight and do less reps such as 3 sets of 12. Happy results.
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