Body Types

by Mr B

DIFFERENT BODY TYPES

There are three general categories of  Male & Female body types: These are classed as Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph. There is a misconception that “body type” merely describes the way a person looks, but our body type can also provide information about how we respond to food intake and our hormonal and sympathetic nervous systems (SNS) characteristics. These factors can be linked to metabolic differences between individuals, and influence how you respond to diet and training. Understanding your body type will help you to strategically & successfully plan your exercise and nutritional needs and regime, Once this can be established you can adjust nutrient intake to maximize fitness composition and health related goals.

 

Very few people fall perfectly into one of the three categories, and are often a mix of the 3 characteristics. Also, training along with good nutrition can completely change the appearance of one’s body. One important thing to remember is that regardless of your body type, composition, or overall health status, your ability to handle carbohydrate-dense foods is greatly improved during and after exercise, meaning that the best time to eat the majority of starchy/sugary foods is around the times that you’re physically active. Depending on your body type, your carb tolerance is different and your strategy should be different.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECTOMORPH

An ectomorph is typically skinny. Ectomorph’s have a light build with small joints and lean muscle. Usually ectomorph’s have long thin limbs with stringy muscles. Shoulders tend to be thin with little width.

TYPICAL TRAITS OF AN ECTOMORPH:

  • Ectomorph body type
  • 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 find it very hard to gain weight. They have a fast metabolism which

burns up calories very quickly. Ectomorph’s need a larger number of calories in order to gain weight. Generally, ectomorphs can lose fat very easily which makes cutting back to lean muscle easier for them.

 

 

MESOMORPH

A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.

 

TYPICAL TRAITS ON A MESOMORPH:

  • Athletic
  • Generally hard body
  • Well defined muscles
  • Rectangular shaped body
  • Strong
  • Gains muscle easily
  • Gains fat more easily than ectomorphs
  • The downside to mesomorphs is they gain fat more easily than ectomorphs. This means they must watch their calorie intake. Usually a combination of weight training and cardiovascular routines will work best for mesomorphs.

 

 

ENDOMORPH

The endomorph body type is solid and generally soft. Endomorphs gain fat very easily. Endo’s are usually of a shorter build with thick arms and legs. Muscles are strong, 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
  • "Stocky" build
  • Round physique
  • Finds it hard to lose fat
  • Slow metabolism
  • Muscles not so well defined
  • When it comes to training endomorphs find it very easy to gain weight. Unfortunately, a large portion of this weight is fat not muscle. To keep fat gain to a minimum, endomorphs should not overlook Cardiovascular training as well as weights.

 

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