We are unique in our own ways, and we should be proud of that!
Some people may have the same eye color, hair color, and skin complexion. However, there is no one in this world who looks exactly like you. Some might pass as your doppelganger, but they’re still not you.
People also vary in body type, too. Some are naturally slim, while others tend to have bigger hips or boobs than others. Some may also be taller than others. These may have something to do with their genes or their diets.
But the important thing you need to know is that there are three major body types. Each of these body types has distinct features. Also, your weight loss plan will also depend on your body type. Here’s what you need to know about body types.
What are these three major body types?
You might be wondering why there are others who are naturally slim. And here you are, dealing with bigger thighs and tummy no matter how much you exercise.
There might be also those who seem effortless in losing weight but not so easy for others. Why so? Aside from your genes and diet, it may also have something to do with your body type.
For starters, there are three major body types: endomorphs, ectomorphs, and mesomorphs. These body type classifications are called somatotypes. These body types were officially classified by William Herbert Sheldon, a psychologist who lived in the 1940’s.
Ectomorphs
Ectomorphs are those who have been naturally slim almost throughout their entire lives. For many people, being an ectomorph is a dream come true. Imagine you can eat a lot and then not gain a single pound.
These people don’t have to worry about being overweight because their bodies are built that way. You will know if you are an ectomorph if:
- Your pants and shorts feel loose in the butt area
- You have narrow shoulders
- You have a slender torso, arms, and legs
- You tend to have slim wrists to the point that your two fingers overlap when you grip it
- You have a chest circumference of 37 inches and below (in men)
However, there are a lot of ectomorphs who are actually frustrated with their body type. For one, it can be challenging to gain muscle if you are an ectomorph. It is possible, but it can take some time.
For one, you would have to consume more food and focus on heavy weight lifting. Stay away from cardio exercises like running if you want to put on some weight. Include more proteins on your diet to ensure muscle gain.
Mesomorphs
Meanwhile, mesomorphs are like the “porridge that is just right” (remember Goldilocks and the Three Bears?). Mesomorphs are also those who can easily build muscles and do not get fat easily as well. However, you should maintain regular physical activities or you’ll end up being overweight as well.
In other words, you can say that mesomorphs have athletic body types. Think Arnold Schwarzenegger in his bodybuilding days, for example. You are a mesomorph if you have the following characteristics:
- Your shoulders and hips have almost the same width
- Arm sleeves feel a little tight
- You have a rugged, squarish shaped-body
- Your two fingers barely touch when you grip your wrist
- You can easily gain or lose weight anytime you want
- Your chest circumference ranges between 37 to 44 inches (in men)
Those who have mesomorphic bodies should follow a strength training program with some cardio exercise. You should also maintain enough caloric surplus if you are aiming to gain muscles.
Endomorphs
Lastly, endomorphs are those who have a lot of challenges in the Weight Loss department. These people are also those who tend to put on weight faster. However, endomorphs can also put on muscle mass easily.
Women tend to be endomorphs more than men. This is because endomorphs tend to have wider waists, big-boned, and store fat more than muscles. If you are one, you should adopt a lifestyle that won’t make you fat easily including a healthy diet and exercise. You are most likely an endomorph if:
- Your pants/shorts feel tighter on the thigh and butt areas (especially among women)
- You have thicker thighs and forearms
- Your fingers don’t touch when you grip your wrists
- You can easily gain weight, but hard to lose weight as well (bad news especially for women)
- You have a chest circumference of 44 inches and above (for men)
Endomorphs should eat in a caloric deficit if they are planning to lose weight. You should also include a strength training program to improve your ratio of muscle to fat. Cardio exercises are also your best friend as an endomorph like running or High-Intensity Interval Training or HIIT.
Conclusion
Each body type has its own pros and cons. Nevertheless, it is important to keep your health in check all the time. Eat healthy and whole foods, avoid sweets and sodas, and have regular physical activities. At the end of the day, it’s all about having good health in general – having a model-like physique is just a bonus.
Now that you k ow your body type, you should start working out! HERE a beginners guide for newbies!
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