I had heard about different body types before. They always seemed to be compared to a piece of fruit. Apple, pear, etc... I never really seemed to fit into one of those fruit categories. A little over a year ago, one of my friends who is a personal trainer called me an "ectomorph" and I had no idea what she was talking about...I said, "Wait, what did you call me?" I had never heard that term before. She explained that different body types react differently to exercise, foods, etc. This intrigued me, so I looked into it further and it makes sense. I took a test online and it gave me a better idea of what works for my body type, which may not work for another body type. It's a good thing to know because everyone is different and you might not fit into one category perfectly, most don't... you could be mix between two types. Also, you might get a different result when you are 20 than when you are 40 or 50.
The three body types for both men and women are Ectomorph, Endomorph, and Mesomorph. Here's what "Wiktionary" has to say about each...
Ectomorph: 'Someone with a lean, only slightly muscular body. In bodybuilding, theoretical body type in which a person has a high metabolism. Such a person can easily maintain a low fat physique, but does not add muscle or body weight easily. Also known as a "Hard Gainer".'
Endomorph: 'A person of the endomorphic physical type characterised by big bones, round face, large trunk and thighs and a naturally high degree of body fat, especially around the midsection. Endomorphs usually struggle to control their weight although it may simply mean more determination is needed for an endomorph to lose as much weight as a mesomorph. In bodybuilding, theoretical body type with slow metabolism in which weight is gained easily, but fat levels are hard to reduce. Endomorphic bodybuilders tend to be the most massive.'
Mesomorph: 'A person with pronounced muscular development and low body fat. In bodybuilding, theoretical body type in which a person naturally has lower body fat and greater ability to achieve muscular development than average.'
I am definitely not an expert on this, I just found it interesting to know my body type so I'm more aware of what works for me when it comes to exercise and nutrition. By posting this, I hope to help those of you who may be frustrated... in case you've tried certain things that don't seem to be working for you... maybe you are exercising or eating for a different body type...? I think it's a great start and good information to have. And most important...DON'T dwell on the results... just take the information it gives you and use it to your advantage!! As far as I'm concerned ALL women are beautiful and we spend too much time "self judging" ourselves. Learn to love your body! This is just a tool, remember that. You don't have to share your results with anyone;)
Here is what Paul Becker says on the subject... "Not every body's created equal. Before you start your training and nutrition regimen, it's a good idea to figure out your body type. 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."
Want to find out what your body type is? Take this test! At the end it will tell you which of the three body types you're closest to, even down to the percentage of each. I hope this will help you reach your goals!
Here are my results, so you can see what it looks like....
