Thursday, March 10, 2022

Your Workouts And Your Body Type :

Your Workouts And Your Body Type
You may or may not already be aware of the fact that every human body can be classified into a combination of up to three different body types. Back in the 1940s, a psychologist named William Sheldon created these classifications, and, in his 1954 book, Atlas of Men, Sheldon categorized all possible types according to his three "somatotypes."

These 3 categories, or body types are Ectomorphs, Mesomorphs and Endomorphs. Today I want to spend some time talking about these 3 types and how the category or categories that YOU fit into should have a distinct reflection of the type of workouts you're doing.

Before we take a closer look at these 3 types, I want to make you aware of the fact that Sheldon's research concluded that very few individuals show a direct resemblance to one type only. Rather, most people fall into somewhat of a combination of two or even all three of the types. This is important to remember when we get to talking about the workouts later. As I'm describing each body type, I want you to take note of the differences and try to identify which of the 3 (or which combination thereof) you fit into.

Body Type 1 - Ectomorph
An ectomorph is distinguished by being very lean and slender, and usually tall. These individuals tend not to pack on a lot of excess body fat or muscle. This is both a good thing and also a bad thing. The lack of excess fat is great, however it is usually a real battle for these folks to add any significant amount of lean muscle to their bodies. Think in terms of the very lean and slender body of a marathon runner. If you are someone who is on the leaner side, you should be focusing your efforts towards your strength training, and less on your cardio training. The lack of unhealthy body fat means that you probably don't have to worry as much about heart disease caused by obesity, which is much more common. Your diet needs to reflect your body type as well. You should be consuming lots of healthy proteins in your diet, along with fresh fruits and vegetables of course. Remember that creating more lean muscle on your body is far more important than being able to run a marathon. That lean muscle will serve you well for the rest of your life!


Body Type 2 - Mesomorph
In the middle of the body type classification spectrum are the people known as the mesomorphs. These folks could be best described as being the "lucky ones!" I say this because it is generally an easier task for a mesomorph to pack on more lean muscle mass, and thereby making it easier for them to burn off unwanted body fat at the same time. Many of today's natural bodybuilders could be classified into this category. For the most part, mesomorphs simply need to keep "doing what they're doing" and the results will come. A good combination of strength, endurance and cardio training are key for a Meso to maintain their lean, muscular physique. Diet must be watched carefully, because in many cases, it is very easy for a mesomorph to begin taking on traits of the other two body types if they aren't careful. Stay active, eat right and get plenty of rest all you mesomorphs out there!

 

Body Type 3 - Endomorph
The final main classification for body type are the endomorphs. They are at the other end of the spectrum as compared to the ectomorphs I mentioned at the beginning. It is usually easier for this body type to gain excess body fat, however, it is also not as big a deal for them to correct this with the addition of some extra lean muscle mass. Some health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers are of a greater concern to the endomorph than the other two body types. It is really a constant battle for these people to stay on top of their health and wellness. A sumo wrestler would perhaps be classed as an extreme example of an endomorph. The intake of any extra unhealthy fats need to be avoided at all cost in the endomorph body type. Keep your meals lean and healthy, including lots of water to help keep body functions moving and in peak condition. Focus on workouts that not only help build lean muscle, but also allow for fast fat burning too!

So, did you determine where you fall in the body type spectrum? For myself, I would be placed between a mesomorph and an endomorph, leaning slightly more towards the endomorph end of the scale. Keeping body fat under control is a constant battle for me, but I'm able to keep it at bay with lots of functional, dynamic body weight training and a proper diet


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