Body Type: 3 Body Types Defined
Endomorph, Ectomorph, and Mesomorph. What do they represent? In the bodybuilding world, they are the ‘hard gainer’ or slim/petite (ectomorph), the easy weight gainer (but this usually represents non-quality weight gain of a round/soft (endomorph)), and the ideal easy to lose, easy to gain body type, the athletic/muscular mesomorph. But don’t get discouraged if you think you can’t succeed in a weightlifting or nutritional program, because you can. Genetics can dictate your body shape or type, but results are possible for everyone with the right weight management approach.
Ectomorphs typically can eat just about anything they want to and not gain weight, but if they are trying to gain weight, it can be very difficult.
Endomorphs struggle with weight-loss.. they can look at a pizza and gain 3 pounds.
The mesomorph can have a low calorie week and lose a few pounds; then follow it up with a high calorie week and gain a pound or so.
Depending on the goals of each person with each said body type, this result can be a blessing or a curse. If an endomorph wants to gain weight it could be great; an ectomorph wants to lean down, he will have little trouble doing so.
Whether your body is an apple or pear shape, all body types are capable of maintaining a healthy body weight with the right diet and exercise modifications. I will discuss how to use that information to succeed with diet and exercise.
The Ectomorph Body
The ectomorph body style is fragile and small. The bones are light, joints are small and they carry little lean muscle. The limbs are often long and thin with front drooping shoulders making them even look smaller. They naturally have lower strength and can expect to gain muscle slower but will also not likely gain extra fat.
- Delicate body build
- Flat chested
- Lean
- Small shouldered
- Difficult to gain muscle
The Endomorph Body
Endomorph body is round and soft. The round shape is from the appearance of the majority of the fat located in the abdominal area. Not all endomorph shapes have this central obesity, but it can be an easy distinguishing trait. Endomorphs have shorter arms and legs and therefore usually on the short side.
- Soft body
- Underdeveloped muscles
- Round body habitus
- Can put on weight easily
- Hard to lose weight
- Can add muscle mass easily
- Must pay extra attention to nutrition
The Mesomorph Body
The bones and muscles of the head are prominent. Features of the face are clearly defined, such as defined cheek bones and a square jaw. The face is long and broad, and is cubicle in shape. Arms and legs are developed and even the digits of the hand are muscled.
- Athletic
- Females have hourglass shape
- Males have a rectangular shape
- Muscular body
- Good posture
- Can add muscle easily
- More at risk of weight gain than ectomorph
Men Versus Women
Men generally have more muscle than women and their hormonal make-ups allow them to lose weight a bit more efficiently, but they have weight problems as well. Men tend to carry weight in the most health-risked areas, the waist and abdomen. The fat in this area is mostly visceral fat and is the most detrimental to health and has the highest risk of disease.
Women tend to store fat on the lower body on their hips, thighs and buttocks, giving some women a pear-like shape to their bodies. Women also tend to store fat closer to the surface of their skin (subcutaneous fat) than men do, increasing their tendency to form cellulite. This fat is less associated with disease and is more of a cosmetic issue for women.
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