Understanding your body type!

We all have different bodies, genetics, strengths, weaknesses, reactions to certain types of food and our bodies respond to exercise programs differently. Applying the same diet and exercise program won’t always yield the same results for everyone because of these differences.

There are three different body types. Understanding your body type is important because it affects how you lose or gain weight, your metabolism and so much more which determines the diet and training program which is most suitable for your anatomy. However just because your body isn’t strong or predisposed to fit a certain mould does not mean that you should limit yourself. There is no one size fits all and you can be a combination of the different anatomies and your body type can shift based on lifestyle, activity, and diet modifications. However knowing where you fall will give you a better understanding of how your body functions and how or what it responds to more effectively.

The three body types are the following:

• Ectomorph

• Endomorph

• Mesomorph

Characteristics of an Ectomorph: Long limbs and lean body structure and such people have generally been small their entire lives without putting much effort into their diet or training types. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are healthy just because you’re small. You may be relatively small but your body may have a high body fat percentage. They have narrower shoulders than hips. Struggle to build muscle and fat. Naturally fast metabolism and are usually marathon runners. They have smaller muscles in respect to height. Their bodies are good at processing carbs into energy but struggle with bulking up. If this is your body type, it is advisable to focus more on strength training and a diet which contains good quality fats, moderate protein and healthy carbs.

Characteristics of an Endomorph: Wider body, often pear shaped. They are often curvy with fuller/round figures. They naturally have a slower metabolism, gains weight fast and loses it very slow however that does not mean that you won’t lose weight or destined to be overweight. Eat good quality fats and protein and moderate/limit your carb intake. A diet which includes food which can fire up your metabolism would be recommended. With regards to training, high intensity training such as HIIT and cross fit would be recommended including weight training.

Characteristics of an Mesomorph: Middle of the body types. This body type often has a long torso with short limbs. Athletic, find it easier to build muscle compared to the other body types and find it easier to lose fat. Usually leaner and more muscular. They have a natural athletic build and defined muscles and their genetic make-up is suitable for strength and power which includes training such as P.H.U.L Power Hypertrophy Upper Lower Workout. The most ideal diet for a mesomorph is a high protein and low carb diet. Carbohydrates should include a combination of vegetables, fruits and whole grains such as oats, quinoa and brown rice.

Some people are a combination of the different body types, in fact most people are a combination of the various body types. These combinations include and not limited to mesomorph/endomorph or ectomorph/endomorph and it is also not uncommon to find a person that’s a pure mesomorph that puts on weight like an endomorph. No matter what your body type is, even the smallest or skinniest of people can bulk up, any body type can build up a ripped and muscular physique if you are willing to put in the work. Ensuring that your workout and diet supplement your body type makes it more effective reaching your body goals.