Fitness & Body Types

There are three distinct body types – endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph:

-Endomorphs are the fat retainers and have more difficulty in losing fat, typified by excess body fat, roundness and large joints.

-Mesomorphs are lean, muscular and naturally athletic; they lose fat and gain muscle easily.

-Ectomorphs are lean, skinny and bony with fast metabolisms and extremely low body fat.
Ectomorph

Ectomorphs are generally tall and skinny individuals with small joints. Their metabolism is super efficient that they can eat anything without gaining fat however, they have great difficulty building up muscles.

Ectomorphic individuals can only achieve excellent muscular definition through persistence and hard work. Their body responds best to low volume, staggered, high intensity weight training.

Ectomorph Guidelines on Nutrition and Training

-Slow down and relax often.
- Get extra sleep.
- Reduce stress.
- Avoid overtraining.
- Maintain high calorie intake.
- Focus on food quality and nutritional value.

Mesomorph

Individuals who are pure mesomorphs are typically lean, muscular and broad shouldered with medium-sized joints. They are considered as natural-born athletes and bodybuilders and already exhibit clear muscle development even before they even start working out.

Mesomorphic individuals gain muscle and lose fat very easily. Their bodies positively respond like crazy to minimum nutrition/training regimens.

Mesomorph Guidelines on Nutrition and Training

As luck would have it, pure mesomorphs automatically lose body fat and gain muscle! Regardless of their genetic advantage, mesormorphic individuals should pursue a light exercise/workout regimen regularly in order to tone their muscles and develop better definition.

Endomorph

Endomorphic individuals are those who continually struggle to lose body fat, have generally slow metabolism and store fat easily. Endomorphs are mostly large framed individuals with medium to large joints.

They generally have a very difficult time losing fat through dieting alone and need adequate aerobic/exercise/workout regimen to trigger adequate fat loss. The bottom line is an endomorph definitely needs metabolism boost physical activity provides.

An endomorph generally responds better to high protein/low to moderate carbohydrate diets and frequent, high intensity aerobic/exercise/workout training regimen.

Endomorph Guidelines on Nutrition and Training

Endomorphs require a well-planned approach to nutrition and training to induce fat loss. They need high levels of activity, strict discipline and consistency in nutritional habits.

- High protein, medium to low carbohydrate intake.
- Exercise is an absolute necessity.
- Endomorphs must avoid short-term approaches to fitness.
- Sleep early and wake up early.
- Restrict carbohydrates to the minimum.
- Consistency and persistence in nutrition and exercise activities.

Never oversimplify your conclusion regarding body types based on physical properties alone. Although heredity plays an important role to lose fat, never forget that excess fat is the cumulative result of many other influences which are not genetically dictated.

Never blame your genes for your present situation. There are other factors that contribute to your present condition which are under your control. It is up to you to take charge.

Regardless of your genetic makeup, you can totally transform yourself with a positive attitude and hard work.