Which body type are you?

Let’s talk body type basics! The more we understand our bodies, the better we will care for our bodies. Scientifically, there are three general body types and of course, hybrids of the three – nothing in this life is perfect and obsolete.
Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and for the most part we can be placed into a particular body type category. Understanding your body type is the first step to understanding what exercises are best suited in achieving your fitness goals. Yes! You can tailor your workout to your body type! Your body type will also determine what particular activities are easier for you to perform. Knowledge is power. The more you know about your body the better your body type will be!
There are three main body types: Mesomorph, Ectomorph and Endomorph. The Mesomorph generally has a hard, muscular body; can be rectangular or hourglass shaped; has thick skin; an upright posture; gains or loses weight easily; adds muscle quickly and has a moderate metabolism. The Ectomorph is normally thin; tall; linear and has a delicate build; is sometimes stoop shouldered; has trouble gaining weight; muscle building takes them longer and has the highest metabolism. The Endomorph has a soft and rounded body; a large bone structure; gains weight in hips and thighs; has trouble losing weight; can generally add muscle easily and has a slower metabolism. Most of us aren’t purely one body type or another; we are a combination of at least two.
The best exercises for Mesomorphs include activities that require strength, power and endurance. Mesomorphs should perform longer-duration and higher-intensity cardio work if the goal is to lose weight. Building muscle is easy, but if the goal is not to gain size then moderately heavier weights and higher reps will be the way to go during weight-training sessions. Some good cardio options are: football, baseball, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, weight lifting, shot-put, discus, long jump, ice skating, ice hockey, water polo, sprinting events in track and field and swimming, springboard diving, gymnastics, and tumbling.
Ectomorphs should do enough cardio exercise to work their heart and lungs but not so much if they are concerned about building muscle and maintaining weight. Weight workouts should be on the heavier side if the goal is to build muscle. Weight training the upper body is helpful to keep proportions more even. Generally, lighter weights and more reps do the trick. They excel at long-distance events such as field sports, basketball, soccer, football (running back), ice hockey (offense), field hockey, track and field long-distance runs, pole vaulting, marathons, triathlons, swimming long distance, and cross-country running and skiing.
Endomorphs tend to have a soft skinned body that is pear-shaped, meaning their hips are usually wider than their shoulders. They gain weight easily and tend to be curvier than the other body types, as well as having trouble losing weight. Endomorphs tend to have an over-developed digestive system. Endomorphs do well in all types of middle-distance or moderate intensity activities such as: swimming, synchronized swimming, dance or brisk walking. They are also well-suited for the individual sports of martial arts, tennis, archery, bowling, sailing, golf, softball, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterskiing and middle-distance field events.
Are you a Mesomorph, an Ectomorph or Endomorph? You may be a fusion!
By understanding the genetic cards you’ve been dealt, you can enjoy exploring your options and empower yourself to make the best decisions about your health and wellness regiment.