Body Types: Are you an Ectomorph, Endomorph or a Mesomorph?

No, these are not new Power Rangers characters but they certainly sound like they could be. Actually, endomorph, ectomorph, and mesomorph are the three body types according to a Psychologist by the name of Dr. Sheldon. A person with an endomorph body type is considered to be carrying around too much fat and tends to have trouble losing weight. Someone with an ectomorph frame does not have enough fat or muscle and has a tough time building muscle or gaining weight. A mesomorph is perhaps the ideal body type with a well-formed body and can gain or lose weight fairly easily. So which are you most like?

Actually, it is not uncommon for a person to be a combination of the body types. Dr. Sheldon himself concluded that it was likely for a person to be a mixture of the body types and exhibit qualities from each. The purpose of knowing whether you are primarily an ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph is to have a better idea of what you need to do in order to gain or lose weight and build muscle. Here is a run down of what each type needs to do in order to have the most effective weight training.

Ectomorph

The last thing an ectomorph needs to worry about is dropping a few pounds. Many ectomorphs already get nervous when a strong wind picks up. It is typical for an ectomorph to only eat when they are hungry and that is something they need to change in order to put a few pounds on. A diet high in calories with meals occurring in short intervals with larger than normal servings is recommended for this body type.

Now just because an ectomorph is skinny does not mean they should run out and down bag after bag of potato chips and spend their time lounging in front of the television! Actually, in order to put some muscle on, they should do some weight training using fairly heavy weights.

The weight training sessions should be brief and not too often. An ectomorph is encouraged to use heavy weights but to take breaks in between reps. Finally, although a person with an ectomorph body type is generally very active, aerobic exercises should be kept to a minimum if they are to have any hope of adding a few pounds.

Endomorph

The endomorph, on the opposite end of the spectrum, needs to concentrate on turning their fat into muscle in order to increase their metabolism and keep the weight off. During weight training, an endomorph should use moderate weights with very little break between reps.

The endomorph also needs to lower calorie intake by eating smaller servings and eliminating all junk food from their diet. The endomorph also needs to engage in daily aerobic exercise such as walking, biking, or swimming.

 

Mesomorph

The mesomorph is the "blessed" body type. These guys have a natural athletic physique and simply have to maintain what they already have. Weight training is still recommended at regular intervals using moderate weights with modest breaks in between reps. A mesomorph probably already eats a fairly healthy diet but they do need to watch out for fat so checking their body fat percentage at regular intervals is highly recommended.

 

It really does not matter which body type you are because a healthy diet and regular exercise are good ideas for anyone. But, by knowing which body type you are most like, you can design a weight training program that is more effective than if you did not know whether you were an ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph.

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