3 Body Types: Know Yours to Maximize Results!

Have you ever wondered why somebody you know seems to be able to eat whatever they want without gaining weight? Or that person who despite all genuine efforts, can’t seem to lose any? According to experts, your body type is a determining factor in your ability to lose weight. Body types fall into three main categories, which most people can easily recognize:

THREE BODY TYPES:

Ectomorphs
Mesomorphs
Endomorphs

Does this mean that your weight loss efforts are limited to whatever body type you are? In some ways yes, but you just need to eat and train for your specific body time. Despite these categories being genetically pre-determined, it is possible with the correct diet and exercise to sculpt your dream. Read on to find out what category you fall into, and what you can do to get the body you want.

Ectomorph

Typical characteristics of ectomorphs are that they are small framed in terms of their muscle mass, joints and general size. They tend to be long limbed, have little observable body fat and can eat more than most people without gaining weight. This is due to a fast metabolism, which allows them to burn more calories even without doing any activity. Weight loss is not usually a problem with this group of people.

In order to build a toned figure as an ectomorph, training with high resistance such as weight lifting or bodyweight training will provide you with the best results. Pair this style of exercise with large portions of healthy foods throughout the day. A diet high in natural fats and carbohydrates with a moderate protein intake is the best way to go. On training days especially, make sure that you are eating slightly more than usual, especially in the way of carbohydrates and fats.

Mesomorph

The most apparent characteristic of mesomorphs is that they are naturally athletic, usually proportionately built with an ability to easily gain muscle. They also have a sensitivity to either gaining or losing weight quickly. The balanced proportion of muscle mass and high percentage of fast-twitch fibers provide mesomorphs with a naturally athletic build that includes the power and strength required for most sports. Despite natural athletic ability, this body type can also gain fat easily if exercise and diet moderation is not controlled.

In order to maximise body composition for this body type, mesomorphs should focus on balancing high intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training. Their diet should be made up of moderate proportions of fat, carbohydrates and protein. On non-training days, slightly less carbohydrates should be consumed since excessive calories might be stored as fat rather than burned through exercise.

Endomorph

Endomorphs have a softer and rounder body that naturally carries more fat than most. This is due to a slower metabolism, which causing their bodies to store fat more easily. These natural curves can be more difficult to keep under control but not impossible.

Endomorphs need to do more high intensity activity to speed up their metabolisms and burn more calories. Exercise focused on HIIT training, plyometrics and moderate weight lifting will optimize an endomorph’s ability to keep their body-fat percentage in check. In terms of diet, the importance of eating healthy whole foods is paramount. A diet low in fat, moderate carbohydrates and high protein is the most ideal. Due to an endomorph’s sensitivity to weight gain, it is also crucial that low GI carbohydrates are consumed such as sweet potatoes, brown rice and oats.

As you can see everyone has a certain body type that falls into one of these three categories. However your body type does not determine your potential. With hard work, exercise and dieting, you can sculpt your body how you like. It is important to assess your body type so you will know the optimum diet that will give you the best results.

If you have any questions about body types or need help putting a nutrition plan together, shoot me an email at mattbeard@newavecoaching.com! Have an awesome Monday and remember... BE THE BETTER YOU!