Fitness - Part 5, Body Type - Do You know Your Body Type?

Now that we have a better understanding of our minds lets move onto our bodies. Part 4 will discuss, explain and show examples of the three body types in relation to diet and training styles.

During my journey of research into personal fitness. I came across the term, Somatotypes. A theory of constitutional psychology developed by William Herbert Sheldon, an American Psychologist in the 1940s. Although some of his works were dismissed it created a spark and his terminologies have been referred to throughout history ever since.

'William proposed that the human physique be classified according to the relative contributions of three fundamental elements'.  

Taking a look his theories gave me a better understanding of my body. To truly make a difference and improve your lifestyle. You need to understand your body as well as your mind and how it works. 

So what are the three body types?

Ectomorph - Characterised by long and thin muscles/limbs and low fat storage; usually referred to as slim.

• Fragile
• Thin
• Flat chest
• Delicate build
• Young appearance
• Tall
• Lightly muscled
• Stoop-shouldered
• Large brain
• Has trouble gaining weight
• Muscle growth takes longer
• Fast Metabolising 

Training Tips - 'Ectomorphs find it very hard to gain weight. They have a fast metabolism which burns up calories very quickly. Ecto’s need a huge amount of calories in order to gain weight. Workouts should be short and intense focusing on big muscle groups. Supplements are definitely recommended. Ectomorphs should eat before bed to prevent muscle catabolism during the night. Generally, ectomorphs can lose fat very easily which makes cutting back to lean muscle easier for them'. - Quoted from Muscle and Strength

Mesomorph - Characterised by medium bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waist; usually referred to as muscular. Mesomorphs are predisposed to build muscle but not store fat.

• Athletic
• Hard, muscular body
• Overly mature appearance
• Rectangular shaped (hourglass shaped for women)
• Thick skin
• Upright posture
• Gains or loses weight easily
• Grows muscle quickly

Training Tips - 'The mesomorph body type responds the best to weight training. Gains are usually seen very quickly, especially for beginners. The downside to mesomorphs is they gain fat more easily than ectomorphs. This means they must watch their calorie intake. Usually a combination of weight training and cardio works best for mesomorphs'. - Quoted from Muscle and Strength

Endomorph - Characterized by increased fat storage, a wide waist and a large bone structure, usually referred to as fat. Endomorphs are predisposed to storing fat.

• Soft body
• Flabby
• Underdeveloped muscles
• Round shaped
• Over-developed digestive system
• Trouble losing weight
• Generally gains muscle easily

Training Tips - 'When it comes to training endomorphs find it very easy to gain weight. Unfortunately, a large portion of this weight is fat not muscle. To keep fat gain to a minimum, endomorphs must always train cardio as well as weights. Usually supplements may not be needed as long as the person has a high protein intake in their diet'. - Quoted from Muscle and Strength

I am close to Mesomorph. I say close because it is possible to be a mixture of two. I would be considered an Mesomorph/Endomorph.

So 'What body type are you?'

Bodybuilders.com have a page that allows you to answer a few questions. Answer them as accurately as you can and you will found your body type. Link: So what is your body type?

Extra Resources Websites:

Bodybuilders.com
Muscleandstrength.com
Mensfitness.com
LiveStrong.com

Previous Fitness (Parts) Blogs

Part 4 - Mindset (FitnessMe) 

Part 3 - Fitness, Health, Aims and Why

Part 2 - Focus and Preparation

Part 1 - Intro

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.