How to figure out your body type (and customize your wellness plan accordingly)
Did you know that there are three main body types we can categorize ourselves into? We have ectomorph, endomorph, and finally, mesomorph classifications. So why are they important to know? Well, these body types dictate how we react to certain types of exercise and food. The more you know about yourself and your body category, the better you’ll be able to cater your workouts and eating habits to reach your health goals! On that note, let’s dive into each body type and ways to personalize your habits.
Ectomorph body type
People who fall into this category tend to have long, lean, and delicate frames. While this group has a fast metabolism and typically thinner build, they have a more difficult time gaining muscle and weight. Falling into this group ultimately means that you should focus on increasing calorie intake and muscle building.
Exercise goals
- Increase strength training
- Reduce constant cardio (if you want to maintain or gain muscle)
- Incorporate compound weight training
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) to boost aerobic capacity
Food intake goals
- More complex carbs (carbs in general)
- More protein
- Lower fat consumption
Endomorph body type
For people who have a wider body, stocky build, and have more fat with the ability to gain muscle - you’re likely in the endomorph family. Individuals with this body type have the best strength advantage of the three but also have slow metabolisms. They’re known to have naturally stronger arms and legs. Although people who have this type of body gain weight more easily, they can build up stronger muscles as well!
Exercise goals
- Add intense aerobic exercises
- Increase HIIT training
- Ideal to have a balanced combo of muscle training and conditioning
Food intake goals
- Eat fewer carbs, especially simple carbs
- Higher protein intake
- Slightly increase fat intake
- Use portion control tactics
Mesomorph body types
Mesomorph bodies are in between both ectomorph and endomorph body types, as they can simultaneously have lean and muscular bodies. This group attains a natural athletics build with well-defined muscles. Typically, people who are in this category have an easier time gaining muscle and losing fat than ectomorphs and endomorphs, respectively. If you’re looking to be a bodybuilder, having this body type is definitely ideal!
Exercise goals
- Focus on moderate weight training
- Mix in aerobic workouts
Food intake goals
- Increase or decrease calorie intake depending on fitness goals
- Slightly decrease fat intake
- Include a moderate amount of carbs
- Focus on eating complex carbs
These are the three body types that we can place most people in. It’s worth noting that many individuals have a hybrid of two or even three categories! If you’re still unsure of where you lie within the three, trying out the specific types of workouts and eating habits can be a telling sign of what body type you have.
References
- https://www.jefit.com/exercise-tips/three-different-body-types
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/ectomorph-diet/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/how-to-exercise-if-you-have-an-ectomorph-body-type/
- https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/body-types-ectomorph-mesomorph-endomorph.html
