What Is My Body Type and How Should I Exercise?
Knowing your body type can help you choose exercises that will give you the best results for your efforts.
The Skinny on Body Types
Let’s talk body types, shall we? As I’m sure you’ve seen, there are different body types out there in this big old world.
In case you didn’t know their exact name, the different body types are:
- endomorphs
- ectomorphs
- and mesomorphs.
Kind of makes it sound alien-ish doesn’t it? Don’t worry, you’re not an alien and if you’ve been struggling with losing or gaining weight, there could be a very good reason for it.
Body Type, Weight, and Exercise
Meet the Ectomorphs
Ectomorphs are those people who seem to be able to eat a gallon of ice cream, an entire pizza, and then cookies to finish it off and not gain an ounce.
While that’s grossly exaggerated, ectomorphs do have a very high metabolism.
They’re often below average weight and can have a difficult time building muscle. They also have a harder time gaining weight than their body type counterparts, so their struggles are different.
Make no mistake, there are plenty of ectomorphs who wish they could gain weight and muscle.
Since they do have such a high metabolism, intense cardio sessions might be traded out for more resistance training to get better results.
Meet the Endomorphs
Hello, kindred endomorphs! Like you, I look at pizza and gain ten pounds.
While not quite that bad, endomorphs like myself tend to have a harder time losing weight than gaining it thanks to a slower metabolism.
They’re usually larger framed with less muscle definition just because there’s more adipose tissue.
Since it is more difficult to lose weight, high calorie burning workouts combined with strength training are a good bet.
The combination of quick and slow calorie burn will make it easier to lose weight and gain that muscle definition.
Meet the Mesomorphs
Considered the “ideal” body type, mesomorphs have an active metabolism that helps them maintain a proportional weight.
They typically have a larger frame with a leaner body that’s very symmetrical.
There are usually few problems with gaining muscle or losing weight.
A combination of cardio and resistance training helps them stay in shape, as well.
Can I Change Body Types?
Now, if you’re lamenting the fact that your body type makes you pre-disposed to holding onto or losing weight, don’t worry.
Knowing your body type just gives you a better idea of what types of exercise to do and why. It also gives you permission not to beat yourself up for difficulty losing or gaining weight.
You can’t change your body type (sorry!), but you can change the exercises that you do to address your body’s needs.
What body type are you and what challenges do you face with your exercise routine based on body type? Leave it in the comments! I’d love to help you!
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