Every human being is different and so are their body types. Determining your body type just might be the key to help you achieve your dream fitness body. Though people have a basic idea of 3 different types of human body, they still are not aware of the difference between those types.
Whether you have recently started to take control of your body, fitness, and nutrition or doing so for a while, it is crucial that you are aware of your body type. This will not only assist you to set achievable body goals but will also help you in determining what to avoid so nothing hinders you from achieving your ultimate fitness goals.
Classifying human body into types is nothing new. Five thousand years ago, Ayurveda divided human bodies into three types namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In 1940, an American psychologist William Sheldon introduced the theory of Somatotypes and broadly divided human bodies into three categories.
These 3 different types of human body are Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph wherein, ectomorphs remain lean regardless of hours in the gym, endomorphs wrestle to shift their gut, and mesomorphs gain muscle with ease.
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Let’s explore more about these 3 different types of human body classifications:
Ectomorph
Ectomorph – Image courtesy of Govt. of Western Aust. Dept. of Health
It is the first category you will come across while going through these 3 different types of human body.
Ectomorph body type can simply be defined to be “thin, lean and long” body type. If you often hear your friend complaining ‘Oh, I eat so much but I can’t gain any weight’; chances are their body type is Ectomorph.
A body structure with long, thin, slim muscles with low-fat storage; it is quite a struggle for people with Ectomorph body type to build muscles or gain weight.
Common characteristics of this body type include
• Skinny appearance
• Narrow clavicles (Collarbones) and hips
• Small wrist/ankle joints
• Long limbs
• Fast metabolism
• Difficulty gaining weight and building muscles
• Low body fat
Best way to Train for Ectomorph
Increase the intake of Protein and Carbohydrates, heavy weight lifting with the correct form on regular basis and limit aerobic activities. Follow proper diet and fitness routine.
Mesomorph
Mesomorph – Image courtesy of Govt. of Western Aust. Dept. of Health
It is the second category amongst 3 different types of human body.
Mesomorph body type can be simply defined as being “Muscular and well-built”. This is the luckiest lot with chiseled bodies and defined muscles. Mesomorph body types are easiest to get in the desired shape since their muscles respond awfully well to their exercise regimes.
This body type is predisposed to build muscles while at the same time not storing any fats – being lucky is an understatement!
They are a mix of ectomorph and endomorph body type and enjoy best qualities of both since they have a large frame like an endomorph but low-fat storage capacity like an endomorph.
Common characteristics of this body type include
• Solid Torso
• Wide clavicles (Collarbones)
• Wide shoulders
• Intermediate metabolism
• Minimum fat levels
• Narrow waistline
• Thinner joints
Best way to Train for Mesomorph
Lifting moderate weight on a continuous basis, and engage in active aerobic activities regularly. Don’t over consume your macronutrients (Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat) and follow a decent diet plan.
Endomorph
Endomporph – Image courtesy of Govt. of Western Aust. Dept. of Health
It is the third category amongst 3 different types of human body.
Endomorph body type can also be termed as “curvy, pear-shaped and big” body type. The easiest way to determine if you are an endomorph is if you struggle a lot to lose weight but put it on very easily.
Endomorph body types have wide waists and long bone structure. They seem to be able to store fat easily but building muscles is always a struggle. They have very high accumulated fat, unquenchable appetite, are fatigued easily, large frame and struggle to drop weight despite following various diets and exercise programs.
Common characteristics of this body type include
• Thick rib cage
• Wide waists
• Thicker/Wide joints
• Blocky (Wider hips equal or greater than shoulder)
• Highest fat levels
• Very Low metabolism
• Shorter limbs
Best way to Train for Endomorph
Include moderate weights and maintain a relatively fast-paced training similar to HIIT exercises. A proper blend of aerobic and anaerobic must be followed, maximum calories should be burnt. Most importantly, a low-calorie diet must be followed rigorously and maintain a calorie deficit throughout the fitness program.
Always remember that your diet plays the most vital role element in your fitness plan.
Conclusion
It is quite possible that your body does not strictly fall in any of these 3 different types of human body categories and that is perfectly fine. These body types are only a rough classification of different types of human body. Once you determine which body type your body majorly corresponds to; train, exercise, and plan your diet accordingly.
There is always a possibility that you are training according to the opposite body type and hence are not able to achieve your dream body. So, I suggest you Identify, Analyze your body type and Engage yourselves in the most optimum workout and diet plan to accomplish your fitness goals.
Finally, I’m really curious to know your body type and urge you to comment down below!!
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread. Thank you!
4 comments
Wow very educative and nice content
Hi George,
Thank you so much for liking the post!
And do follow for more.
For the very first time in my life, I realized being an Endomorph ,Thanks for the detailed post. Looking forward to more!
Hi Himanshu,
Glad the post helped you identify your body type 😉
You can follow a fitness regime accordingly.