Understanding your body type for effective exercise can be helpful if you are trying to achieve fitness, weight loss goals or maintain overall good health. It allows you to work with your body instead of against it. Knowing your body type helps you tailor diet and workouts to suit your specific needs, thus achieving better results.
The body types shared in this article are based on the concept of somatotypes. Somatotypes were introduced in the 1940s to correlate body types with physical strengths and weaknesses, characteristics, and behavior. There are three main body types into which we all fall to some extent— ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph.
The inconvenient truth is that you cannot change your body type. An endomorph will always have a tendencyto put on more weight compared to a mesomorph or ectomorph. However, ectomorph doesn’t necessarily equate being skinny or endomorph being overweight.
It’s worthy to note that genetics has a substantial influence on body type. We all have different bodies, genetics, strengths, and weaknesses, and as such different activities and behaviors that we’re predisposed to be good at or struggle with.
Think of body types as simply describing propensity for weight gain. That is, the ease and degree to which fat loss and muscle gain can achieved by different people. It helps explain individual differences in both physique and athletic performance, that lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise alone cannot explain.
Do bear in mind that most of us have characteristics of two or even all three somatotypes. These body types have different characteristics, and you should personalize your workout to suit your body type.
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR BODY TYPE FOR EFFECTIVE EXERCISE
We humans differ from one another is various way, from storing fat easily or not gaining weight easily to building muscle well. Instead of us fitting solely into three categories, most of us have characteristics of two or even all three somatotypes. Remember, that you’re probably a blend of features from more than one body type.
We must acknowledge the following points;
- Some body types are efficient at building muscle.
- While others find it difficult to build muscle.
- Some body types are fast at burning energy for fuel.
- Some bodies are less efficient and tend to store more energy as fat.
The gist is that everyone falls, though not altogether neatly, into the three categories below.
Ectomorph Body Type for Effective Exercise
Ectomorphs are relatively slender in shape with a narrow hips and pelvis, as well as long arms and legs. Your muscle and bone outlines are probably visible and may have trouble gaining weight (fat or muscle).
If you are an ectomorph you’ll normally have less fat and muscle mass than people with other body types. They have a relatively small frame and long limbs. Ectomorphs are slender, lightly muscled, with a more linear shape. They have fast metabolism, and are more resistant to weight gain.
Although ectomorphs can look slim, but they may still carry unhealthy levels of body fat. Remember, though, that you probably don’t have all the features of an endomorph, but a blend of features from more than one body type.
Mesomorph Body Type
Mesomorphs are usually athletic, muscular, fast and full of energy. They have a medium frame and can lose weight without much difficulty. This body type builds muscle size quickly and easily as they have a predominance of fast-twitch muscle fibers. They are physically capable of a lot of activity and excel at sports that require power and/or speed.
If you have this body type, usually you have a well-defined chest and shoulders that are both larger and broader than your waistline. Your abdomen is firm and your buttocks, thighs, and calves are all toned and defined. Your hips are generally the same width as your shoulders. Mesomorphs generally store fat evenly all over their bodies, but can become overweight if they are sedentary and consume a high-calorie diet.
Endomorph Body Type
A one-word description of the endomorph body type is curvy. They have a medium to large frame and tend to be very shapely, similar to that of an hourglass. This body type often has a slow metabolism and a tendency to store fat than the other body types. As an endomorph, your body fat distribution may have a tendency to settle predominantly the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs, rather than being distributed evenly throughout your body.
They can find it hard to lose weight compared to the other body types. They also gain weight more easily and because of this, endomorphs are more likely to be overweight. Do bear in mind, though, that most endomorphs don’t possess all the features of endomorph, but a blend of features from other body types as well.
Knowing your body type for effective exercise, helps improve your fitness level, body composition, and overall health. The most efficient plan often involves strength training and high-intensity cardio to promote muscle growth and stimulate metabolism.
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