Knowing One’s Body Type – The First Step Towards Fitness

Nowadays, every guy wants to look like Zac Efron and every girl is after Kim Kardashian’s butt. From the muscular guy in the Men’s Fitness magazine to size zero models walking down the runway, the images of perfect, ideal bodies have created an obsession for everyone. But are people born with a perfect body or do they really work hard to enhance what they were gifted with? It’s important to understand and know your body type when you begin your fitness journey because it will help you set realistic expectations and attainable goals.
In general, there are three categories of Male and Female body types or Somatotypes:

-Ectomorph

-Mesomorph and

-Endomorph.

However, it is rare to be one of the “pure breeds”. In fact, many have a combination of two body types: either ectomorph/mesomorph or mesomorph/endomorph. Body type is not just about the way a person looks but it also determines how you respond to a diet, your metabolism, and many other factors. However, regardless of the body type, one can get lean or put on muscle as well as fat if they’re not careful.
Personally, knowing how to make the best out of my body type has been a major game changer for me. Well now, it’s time for you to know yours:
Typically known as the skinny guy in the room and someone who finds it very difficult to gain weight is the Ectomorph. They have a fast metabolism, a low body fat percentage and are able to eat a lot while gaining little or no extra weight.

WHAT TO DO:

As an ectomorph, your focus should be on consuming huge amount of calories in order to gain weight. Workouts should be short, intense and cardio sessions should be kept minimum. Make sure you consume a diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Put more emphasis on compound movements which I have discussed in my previous article (link below)

5 EXERCISE EVERY BEGINNER SHOULD DO

They have an athletic physique and find it easy to gain or lose weight. This type is the Mesomorph. They respond best to weight training and have good genetics for bodybuilding. But they gain fat more easily than the Ectomorphs in comparison.

WHAT TO DO:

Mesomorphs can focus on consuming balanced carbs,proteins and fats. Since they can gain fat easily, they must watch their calorie intake and consume most of their carbs before and after their workouts.

The body type that gains fat very easily and carries a high percentage of their weight as body fat is the Endomorph. They generally find it hard to lose fat easily and have a slow metabolism.

WHAT TO DO:

Make sure to keep an eye on your calorie intake and focus more on compound lifts that burn more calories.
You can perform aerobic exercise, cardio, swimming or any other activities rather than weight training. You can also perform high-intensity workout or body weight workout.. for that, stay tuned for more Fitness Tips and follow my posts.