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GET TO KNOW YOUR BODY
Posted 07 November 2006
WHAT IS YOUR BODY TYPE?
Do you remember your parents telling you ‘you get what you are given’ when you were a child? Well, when it comes to your body type, they were pretty spot on.
Your structure, metabolism and ability to build or lose muscle are what you were born with and will stay the same throughout your life.
Body type is determined by genetics and in all probability yours will be exactly the same as one of your parents or your siblings.
Simply speaking, there are three body types: Ectomorph, Endomorph and Mesomorph.
ECTOMORPH
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How does it look? Ectomorphs are lean and often long limbed. If you have narrow shoulders and narrow hips, the chances are you fit into this category. What does it mean? If you are an ectomorph, you might be the envy of your friends because you are unlikely to put on much fat. The downside of your quick metabolism is that you also find it really difficult to put on any muscle mass. Any risk factors? Studies show that it is better to be overweight and active than underweight and sedentary. The problem is that if you are an ectomorph and active then you are going to have to take on plenty of calories to account for your energy expenditure or risk becoming underweight of dangerously underweight. |
ENDOMORPH
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How does it look? Endomorphs are soft and round, and often have a stocky appearance. If you have thick-set thighs and upper arms, the chances are you fit into this category. What does it mean? Endomorphs have the highest levels of body fat and gain fat easily. Their metabolisms are often unforgiving and it is important that they watch what they eat. Most endomorphs need activity as well as a good diet, but their bodies are also responsive to exercise and they tend to put muscle on easily. Any risk factors? If you have this body type then you are prone to being overweight and therefore are likely to be exposed to all the risks of excess weight, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. There is also a tendency for endomorphs to carry dangerous abdominal fat around their middle. |
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MESOMORPH
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How does it look? Mesomorphs are often an hourglass shape or a rectangle in men. If you are toned and muscular, have broad shoulders and a narrow waist, the chances are you fit into this category. What does it mean? Mesomorphs are those lucky folk who have the best of both worlds. They can put on fat, but they find it really easy to gain muscle. When they do gain weight it is likely to be on the hips and thighs - rather than the dangerous abdominal fat that endomorphs are more predisposed to. Any risk factors? The biggest risk for Mesomorphs is themselves. Because having a healthy physique comes naturally to them, they can get lazy. There is no excuse for pigging out - even if you can get away with it. Eating an unhealthy, high fat diet puts unnecessary strain on your heart and clogs up your arteries even if you not overweight. |
If you think that you don’t fit into any of the categories or have seen elements of yourself in different descriptions, don’t panic, that’s perfectly normal.
The vast majority of us have characteristics from different body types in our make-up. In particular ecto-mesomorph and endo-mesomorph are common combinations.
WHAT DOES YOUR BODY TYPE MEAN TO YOU?
Knowing about different body types can help you to understand why some people can eat like a horse without putting on any weight while others only have to look at that slice of chocolate cake for it to end up on their hips.
It can make you appreciate why some people can’t build up a muscular physique no matter how hard they try while others manage to maintain the body beautiful without any physical exertion.
Unfortunately, knowing your body shape cannot help you to change yours - no matter how much you would like to!
However, now that you know your limitations you have to accept what you have got and learn to make the best of it.
If this has all left you feeling a little despondant, don't be gloomy there is plenty you can do to improve your body shape.
Find out more about how to accentuate the positives and play down the negatives here or follow these helpful tips to boost your metabolism.
Meet our fantastic Fitbug Weight Loss Challenge Winners!
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