The Three Body Types

There are three body types, and your exercise program and diet need to be based on what body type you are.

The concept of somatotypes (body types) was developed by American pyschologist William H. Sheldon during the 1940s. Sheldon’s three distinct somatotypes are ectomorphic, mesomorphic and endomorphic. Here's an overview of each of these 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 (healthy food, not junk), 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. They respond well to almost any type of exercise.

Because they are 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 get older.

Endomorphic - Endomorphs have stocky frames, high body fat and slow metabolisms. They store body fat easily and have trouble losing it.

Endomorphs often have varying degrees of carbohydrate sensitivity and insulin resistance, so high protein, low to moderate carbohydrate diets usually work best for them. Endomorphs need to do plenty of aerobic exercise in order to burn calories and reduce body fat. Strength training needs to be done in order to get a better muscle to fat ratio and therefore improve metabolism.

Very few people are 100% of one body type. There is usually a mix of two or even all three body types. However, most people tend to gravitate towards one body type predominantly.

Understanding your body type is important. It will help you have realistic fitness expectations and set attainable fitness goals.

Recommended Resources

Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle is a comprehensive fat loss program that will help anyone, especially those who are predominantly endomorphs, lose body fat and get leaner. Read my review of Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle

Bodybuilding Revealed is a comprehensive muscle building program that will help anyone, especially those who are predominantly ectomorphs, increase muscle mass. Read my review of Bodybuilding Revealed

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