WHAT IS YOUR BODY TYPE: ECTOMORPH, ENDOMORPH, ENDOMORPH (Somatotype)
Not every body’s created equal. Before you start your training and nutrition regimen, it’s a good idea to know that. Knowing which of the three basic body types you’re closest to will help you better tailor your diet and exercise plan and set realistic, attainable goals that pave the way to your success.
Somatotype: the ectomorph, distinguished by a lack of much fat or muscle tissue, the mesomorph, marked by a well-developed musculature, and the endomorph, characterized by a preponderance of body fat. It’s all about the illusion these structures create. An ectomorph will naturally look skinner than he or she is, an endomorph will look heavier even when ripped, and a mesomorph will look well proportioned even with a little added weight. The goal: Make yourself look like a mesomorph even if you’re not.
# Ectomorphic
Characterized as linear, thin, usually tall, fragile, lightly muscled, flat-chested and delicate; described as cerebrotonic inclined to desire isolation, solitude and concealment; and being tense, anxious, restrained in posture and movement, introverted and secretive.
Nutrition: The main goal of an ectomorph is gaining weight and this task is hard. He usually has a high metabolism, which helps turn foods into energy easily and quickly. If the ectomorph wants to build muscle, his goal will be to mainly increase his daily carbohydrate intake, as well as a higher caloric intake overall.
Training: The main goal of an ectomorph is building muscle mass (get toned). He won’t have enough strength and endurance to do long training sessions.
During his short (45 minutes to 1 hour) training sessions.
# Mesomorphic
Characterized as hard, rugged, triangular, athletically built with well-developed muscles, thick skin and good posture; described as somatotonic inclined towards physical adventure and risk-taking; and being vigorous, courageous, direct and dominant.
Nutrition: A mesomorph tends to turn food into muscle really easily, so they need a high amount of protein, but a caloric intake less important than an ectomorph. They can handle a moderate amount of carbs since, but if it becomes too high they will be more likely to store fat compared to an ectomorph.
Training: Building muscle for a mesomorph is not a difficult task. However, he will have to include different types of exercises in order to develop proportion to his muscle mass, rather than getting just ‘muscular’.
Whether the mesomorph wants to build muscle or lose fat.
# Endomorphic
Characterized as round, usually short and soft with under-developed muscles and having difficulty losing weight; described as viscerotonic enjoying food, people and affection; having slow reactions, and being disposed to complacency.
Nutrition: An endomorph often has a slow metabolism and have a greater amount of fat cells. Endomorphs can build a lot of muscle, but they will have to watch what they eat in order to keep their body lean. In that case, carbohydrates should be limited, whether it’s for building muscle or lose fat.
Training: Building mass for an endomorph is not very difficult neither. He will have to be concerned with weight loss, this is why he should be dedicated to his diet and workouts, which will help him achieve this goal.
Whether the endomorph wants to build muscle or lose fat.
