By Adam Stein
In the world of dieting and exercise people tend to follow a set formula as in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to their training and eating , although unfortunately this isn’t the case as we all have our own individual body types , also known as somatotypes. Most people have a genetic predisposition toward one specific somatype and additional traits from a second. It is most important to understand that majority of individuals are a mixture of the different body types and a small minority of people show full traits of only one body type.
The benefit to knowing your body type is that it can be used as a guide in choosing the correct macronutrients to be eaten in order to facilitate the correct weight management and a further understanding of where your strengths may lie and therefore choosing a suitable sport.
The three body types are:
- Ectomorph, distinguished by a lack of either fat or muscle mass.
- Mesomorph, marked by a well-developed musculature.
- Endomorph, characterized by an excess of body fat.
The Ectomorph
An ectomorph is typically a person who is naturally thin. These individuals usually have a low body fat percentage, small bone size, a high metabolism, and a small amount of muscle mass and size. The bones are light in weight, joints are smaller than normal and muscles are generally undersized. The ectomorph does not have natural athletic strength and power and the amount of muscle they gain will take extra effort. It is common to find ectomorphs in sports like cycling, running, and other endurance sports. The high metabolism of an ectomorph requires them to eat large amounts of food, especially those that are carbohydrate dense.
The Mesomorph
The Mesomorph has well built muscles and large bones. Mesomorphs gain muscle mass relatively easily with low body fat percentage and they are able to hold onto the muscle they build, while still losing undesired body fat. Their torso looks thin, and has a relatively small waist. Arms and legs are muscled and generally show large amount of muscular definition. Mesomorph tend to make excellent all around athletes, especially bodybuilding and powerlifting A mesomorph's diet can be high in calories as long as they are physically active. They wouldn't be required to consume as much carbohydrates as an ectomorph because their metabolism are generally slower.
The body of an endomorph is generally round and has a high body fat percent. Endomorphs generally hold on to fat much easier than the other two body types mentioned but they also find it easier to add on more muscle mass compared to an ectomorph. For sports selection, where weight and strength are needed, an endomorph would suit sports such as rugby or wrestling. Endomorphs really have to ‘watch’ what they eat because although they can gain muscle fairly easy, it is harder to loose unwanted body fat.
One can use this information as a tool when putting together their eating plan as well as selecting the sport that one may have potential to excel in. Rather work with your genetics than trying to work against what you are blessed with.
