Body types
The body types are a classification of a person's body shape determined by physical characteristics. Genetics determine our body types. We cannot change our body types and can only make the most out of what mother nature gave us. Getting the most out of our body types depends on our diet and exercise program.
There are 3 basic categories of body types.
- Ectomorph
- Mesomorph
- Endomorph
Ectomorph body type
Ectomorph Body Types are characterised with a thin, linear appearance. They often possess narrow waist, hips and shoulders. The ectomorph also has a low body fat percentage. An Ectomorph body type may be considered lucky to some people because their linear appearance and ultra fast metabolism enables the ectomorph to stay slim even if they eat well, however the downfall is ectomorphs lack shape due to their low muscle weight. Lean muscle weight is what gives us that shapely figure.
Mesomorph Body Types are characterised with broad shoulders, narrow waist, naturally large muscles and fast metabolism due to the amount of lean muscle. For men a mesomorph looks like a natural muscle man with a heavy, hard and athletic physique.
Endomorph body type
Endomorph Body Types are often characterised with big bones, round face, large trunk and thighs and a naturally high degree of body fat, especially around the midsection. Endomorphs usually struggle to control their weight although it may simply mean more determination is needed for an endomorph to lose as much weight as a mesomorph.
Most of us will not to belong to just any one body type. For myself, I won't be a complete ectomorph. I am a mixture of mesomorph/ectomorph, it will just depend which side i'm closer to.
Diet and workout for each body type
Ectomorph must do resistance training to put on the muscle. Training twice a week (with less than 1 hour each time) should do the trick. Rest time should be higher.
An ectomorph is considered blessed in my opinion. You are allowed to eat more as compared to other body types and have a lower chance to put on fat. (I am not telling you to eat junk right away!) A good healthy diet is always encouraged. If you are having problem with gaining muscle, increase your complex carbohydrate and protein intake.
Mesomorph will find that the balance of building muscle and losing fat is easier as compared to the other body types. Resistance training is still a must to build some muscle. When you reached your desired body, maintenance will be easy with low intensity workout once or twice a week with a few high intensity workout once in a while. There will be a moderate rest time in between sets.
Stick to a good healthy diet to keep you lean and muscular. Just watch out for any fat gain and you should do fine.
Endomorph should focus on losing fat and having a lifestyle that keep it away. Resistance training is necessary to build muscle to improve your body fat %. Rest time should be short in between sets. Remember to stay active physically daily!
As usual, a healthy diet is a must. It will be stricter than ectomorph and mesomorph though. Junk food such as soft drinks, fried stuff and beer should be eliminated from your diet. Remember to have 6 small meals a day to boost your metabolism.
No comments:
Post a Comment