Work That Body Type

Each person has different genetics that endow them differently. The body is probably the most obvious of these manifestations. These different body types have been cataloged and classified – albeit imperfectly – to help scientists study the human form.

Three basic body types have been identified:

1) Endomorph

Endomorphic bodies tend to be thick, big boned, rounded and bear like. They are also the most disposed to be over weight. They can be naturally very strong – in fact they are often the strongest of the three types. Olympic power lifters and football linemen are often endomorphic types.

2) Ectomorph

Ectomorphs are the skinny people. They don’t get fat or gain muscle easily. They tend to have long, slender features and small frames with narrow hips and shoulders. Models and ballerinas epitomize these types.

3) Mesomorph

Mesomorphs are the muscular types with wide shoulders and narrow hips. They naturally have good muscle definition and low body fat – it short, they provide today’s model of physical perfection. Body builders and professional athletes are often mesomorphs.

It would be great for the scientists who invented this system if everyone fit neatly into these categories, but the reality is actually a lot less clear cut. Very few individuals exhibit the “pure” characteristics of any of these three body types.

Examples or pure ectomorphs might be the runway model or basketball player – although good basketball players can contain some mesomorphic characteristics, too.

The most famous “pure” mesomorph is probably Arnold Schwarzenegger and even he has some ectomorphic traits because of his height.

Just what does this all have to do with fat burning, you well may be asking at this point? A lot. In fact, if you’re almost pure ectomorph or mesomorph, you’ve probably not reading this – you’re Governor of California or eating all the ice cream you want at Hagen Daas. But if you have endomorphic characteristics – probably 60 percent of us do – read on.

The reason your body type is so important is each different type responds differently to exercise. This greatly affects you workout routines and diet that are critical to burning the fat.

Also, even “pure” types can get fat – seen this comparison picture yet? So don’t think you’re superman if you have good genetics – and if the Arnold can get fat and out of shape, just imagine….

But knowing more about your body type can help you tailor your workout to get the look you want. Otherwise, your workouts may be the equivalent to leaning into a punch.

You see it time and again at the gym. Heavy-set women working with heavy weights – they look like a bear naturally and lifting weights will just accentuate that. Other times it’s the skinny person on the treadmill for 40 minutes – what the hell?

Mesomorphs are the only ones who can do a little and gain a lot – they need a mixed program to bring out the best.

Ectomorphs need more weights – heavier, not lighter, high protein diets or protein supplements and very little cardio – maybe 5 minutes just enough to warm up.

Endomorphs can work with heavy weight but need to be careful about eating too many calories and cardio should be the most important part of their workouts – probably at least 30 to 40 minutes per day.

This sounds easy until you factor in the three different types. What if you are part endomorph and part ectomorph? This is where you need to carefully analyze the results of your workout and change it continually until you get it right – in fact, you may never get it exactly right but you should be able to see which things give you the best results.

Whatever type you are, you will benefit from exercise and a healthy low fat diet. The same fat burning techniques that will work for you will work for others even if the results might not be the same.

The real key is to determine what works for you and what should be avoided or emphasized. Once you build a solid base – 6 months of general training - begin changing the variables: more cardio, less resistance training or visa versa.

Don’t just do it for one day or a couple weeks, try it for a month or two and check your gains or losses in the fat burning department.

The same can be applied to your diet – experiment with lower levels of carbohydrates, for example, to see if you burn more fat.

Even if you don’t have a mesomorphic body type, you can train your body into one. Once you get there, some of the benefits are:

You may not be perfect in the body department, but with enough determination you can get there. Knowing your body type will help.

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