Training for your body type can help you break free from your genetic predispositions. Ectomorphic body type people know this better than most.
If you can describe your body as lean and willowy, there’s a high chance you possess an ectomorphic body type.
Wonder how you can use your body type to achieve your desired health and fitness state?
Here’s what you need to know:
- What Is the Ectomorph Body Type?
- What Are the Different Body Types?
- What Are the Three Somatotypes?
- How Can You Tell Your Body Type?
- Ectomorph Body Type Workout
Let’s examine why body type classification matters and what strategies you can use to enhance your natural physique.
What Is the Ectomorph Body Type?
The ectomorphic body type is usually comprised of a slim, sleek body frame with small shoulders and hips. Due to their quick metabolism, they often find weight and muscle gain more difficult than the mesomorphic or endomorphic body types.
What Are the Different Body Types?
In the 1940s, American psychologist William Sheldon developed the body type theory. This theory suggested that all people fall under 3 body physique types: endomorphs, ectomorphs, and mesomorphs. Each type comes with a set of genetic predispositions.
Sheldon claimed that it’s not just physique that matters. He believed that your body type determines your personality.
Today, experts frown on this claim, but the fitness world has definitely benefited from the classification system.
So, how do these types differ from each other?
What Are the Three Somatotypes?
Sheldon suggested there are three somatotypes: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.
Here’s a brief overview of their characteristics:
Ectomorph information
Ectomorphs: Physicality
Ectomorphs have a slim, sleek body shape with small shoulders, hips, and small-sized bones. They often encounter difficulty gaining weight and benefit from a quick metabolism.
Ectomorphs: Personality
Psychologically, Sheldon associated ectomorphs with the cerebrotonic personality: they’re very intelligent, shy, creative, and tend to stay away from the crowd.
Mesomorph information
Mesomorphs: Physicality
Mesomorphs are naturally muscular and have broad chests, narrow waists, and powerful posture. They’re seen as natural athletes, and putting even the slightest effort into getting fit yields sizeable results for this body type.
Mesomorphs: Personality
Their temperament is considered somatotonic: they’re true go-getters, adventurous, but can be aggressive and pushy. They’re comfortable with taking risks and don’t always think before they act.
Endomorph information
Endomorphs: Physicality
Endomorphs have a naturally stocky shape and are able to gain weight and muscle easily. A little weight training goes a long way with endomorphs, as they acquire muscle more readily than the other two types.
Endomorphs: Personality
Their personality is viscerotonic: they’re generally comfortable with themselves, have a good sense of humor, enjoy being with others, and like to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
How Can You Tell Your Body Type?
The best way to determine your body type? Just take a look in the mirror.
Even though there are some variations, it’s pretty easy to put yourself in one of the three categories.
Take a look at your overall build and pay special attention to your shoulders, hips, and posture. Once you do this, there’s a good chance you’ll know your body type immediately.
Ectomorph Body Type Workout
Ectomorphs are considered energy factories. Their fast metabolism is incredibly effective at transforming carbs into fuel. This is what gives them a leaner look when compared to the other two body types. Ectomorphs generally do well at endurance sports.
On the other hand, their bodies aren’t adept at building muscle mass. They generally need to put more effort into creating an effective ectomorph workout routine to build muscle.
So, what does an ideal ectomorph workout look like? A good balance of weight training with low-intensity cardio.
Ectomorphs also need good quality calories, which is why their diet should mostly revolve around healthy carbs. Lean proteins are also essential for building muscle.
With the right strategy, you can work with your natural body type to achieve the state of health and fitness you desire.
Learn more about your specific somatotype and explore the best food and exercise routines for your body type.
