|
The Three Body Types
There are three body types, and it's important to understand what
body type you have.
The concept of somatotypes (body types) was developed by American
pyschologist William Sheldon during the 1940s. Sheldon's three distinct
body types are ectomorphic, mesomorphic and endomorphic.
Very few people are 100% of one body type. There's usually a mix of
two or even all three types. However, most people tend to gravitate
towards one body type predominantly.
Here's an overview of the three body types:
Ectomorphic
Ectomorphs have slender frames, low body fat and fast metabolisms.
They tend to have muscles that are long and thin, especially in the
arms and legs.
Many ectomorphs are too thin and have a desire to increase muscle
mass and gain weight. They need to consume plenty of daily calories
in the form of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats.
They also need to follow a good weight lifting program and avoid doing
too much aerobic exercise.
Mesomorphic
Mesomorphs have lean, muscular bodies with wide shoulders, narrow
waists, low body fat and fast metabolisms. They build muscle and lose
body fat easily.
Because they're naturally muscular and low in body fat, mesomorphs
often get by with unhealthy diets and infrequent workouts. But even
mesomorphs need to eat right and exercise on a regular basis if they
want to stay fit and healthy as they age.
Endomorphic
Endomorphs have stocky frames, high body fat and slow metabolisms.
They store body fat easily and have trouble losing it.
High protein, low to moderate carbohydrate diets often work well
for endomorphs. Endomorphs need to do plenty of aerobic exercise to
burn calories and reduce body fat. They also need to lift weights to
get a better muscle to fat ratio and therefore improve metabolism.
In conclusion, by understanding your body type you'll be better
able to develop an effective nutrition and exercise program.
Visit the Health and Fitness Product Reviews
page for information on some excellent resources that can help you
develop an effective nutrition and exercise program.
Leave the Three Body Types page and return to the General Topic Articles page
Leave the Three Body Types page and return to the Home page
|
