Body Types – Are You An Ectomorph, Mesomorph or Endomorph?

Why Should I Care What Body Type I am?

Fitness training programs and diets don’t work the same for everyone across the board. There is so much conflicting information out there that most people end up following the wrong program for their body type. Others who are beginners in the muscle building and/or fitness scene end up following the same workout routine and diet of someone they hope to look like one day. This is a double-edged sword since it may or may not work in your favor. But the truth is that there are three different basic human body types. What works for one person does not work for the other. This is why it is important to first understand if you are an Ectomorph, Mesomorph or Endomorph. Once you identify your body type you can follow workout routines and diets that apply specifically to you.

Ectomorph

An Ectomorph is a person who is skinny by nature. They have a small frame, joints, long limbs and lean muscle. Ectomorphs are your typical “hard gainers” who have a fast metabolism. They have a ruler shaped body and are mostly the body type that models have. Here are the characteristics:

• Ruler-shaped body
  
• Small shoulders
• Thin
• Hardgainer
• Lean muscle mass
• Finds it hard to gain weight
• Fast metabolism
• Low body fat
• Hyperactive

For this body type, you need a massive amount of calorie intake to gain weight and muscle. The workouts should be short and intense mainly focusing on big muscles groups. Supplements are usually needed to reach the desired calorie intake. Eating before bedtime is also always needed to prevent overnight muscle/weight loss. Reaching your desired fat percentage will be easier to obtain with minimum cardio.

Mesomorph

Mesomorphs have a naturally athletic physique. They have a large frame with broad shoulders and defined muscle mass. They are also naturally strong and quick to gain muscle making it easier to bodybuild. Here are the characteristics:

• Rectangular shaped body
  
• Strong
• Broad shoulders
• Gains muscle easily
• Gains fat easier than Ectomorphs
• Big and defined muscles
• Naturally athletic 

Mesomorphs respond exceptionally well to weight training. Results can be quickly seen especially for beginners. On the other hand, they do gain fat easier than Ectomorphs. Keep an eye on your calorie intake. A combination of weight training and cardio works best for this body type.

Endomorph

Endomorphs have a solid and “stocky” body. Often round shaped they can gain muscle and fat very easily. They are shorter built with thick arms and legs. This body type has an increased leg muscle strength. It also has a slow metabolism and finds it hard to lose weight. Here are the characteristics:

• Solid and “stocky” body
• Round shaped 
• Gains muscle and fat easily
• Short built
• Thick arms and legs
• Strong leg muscles
• Slow metabolism
• Muscle mass not well defined
• Hard to lose weight and fat

Endomorphs must always include cardio as part of their routine. This will help to speed up their metabolism and lower body fat. Supplements are not needed to complement their diet. Low carbohydrate diets work best for this body type.

See The Importance?

As you can see it is critical to know which body type you are. I must say not everyone fits into these three body types and can be a combination of two body types. A lot of people get frustrated when they don’t see the same results as others following the same workout plan and diet. But now you know the difference. It all has to do with your body type and understanding what works best for you. With the proper diet and exercise program, you can achieve the same goals no matter the body type you might be. Stay dedicated and focused!