Body Types
Body types play an important role in weight loss and weight gain when it comes to working
out and dieting. For anyone starting a workout program or diet program it is important to
figure out which body type you are. We are all unique based on our own genetics so it is
possible to fall into more then one category. Our metabolism and hormones play a big role
in our genetic make up.
There are three categories that body types fall into:
Ectomorph
Endomorph
Mesomorph
The Mesomorph
Here is the person everyone loves to hate but wants to be. The mesomorph is naturally
muscular, has a lower then average body fat %, can lose fat easily, has broad shoulders,
can gain muscle and strength easily and has a fast, efficient metabolism.
A Mesomorph is usually naturally gifted in sports and has a great frame and make up for
bodybuilding.
The Endomorph
Endomorphs store fat very easily and finds it difficult to lose excess fat. The endomorph
typically has a pear shaped frame with a slow metabolism. Endomorphs are the calorie
counters who have to pay close attention to their diet as to not gain excess weight and
increase their risk of health related problems like diabetes. Endomorphs tend to be
overweight, are larger around the waist, may be sensitive to carbohydrate intake, and have
reasonable strength and fitness levels.
Endomorphs will find that diet only is not good enough to decrease weight so the must
incorporate weight training and cardiovascular training to boost metabolism. We are the
ones who have to work the hardest.
The Ectomorph
Ectomorphs are naturally lean and skinny. An ectomorph can seem to eat all sorts of crap
and still stay thin. The downside is they have trouble gaining muscular strength and size.
The ectomorph has a very fast metabolism, have lots of energy and tend to be overactive.
An ectomorph can still get fat and fat loss for a them tends to need light cardiovascular
training and calorie restriction. It is difficult if this occurs because an ectomorph has to be
careful not to burn muscle instead of the glycogen and fat.
Is it possible to change our body type/s?
As we get older our metabolism and hormones change so it is possible to become and
endomorph. We tend to start storing fat around our waists and find it harder to lose weight.
So exercise and a healthy diet are very important as we age to stay away from this
scenario.
Like I said before we are not always one of these but tend to fall into more then one
category. I fall into the mesomorph/endomoph categories as I have the strength and muscle
but have always struggled with weight gain.
Written By JJ Confalone
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