Do you do Elliptical for cardio?  How about drop sets on leg day? When is the last time you did anaerobic threshold training?

The type of training you do at the gym and how you feed yourself throughout the day may be keeping you from achieving desired results. Knowing the science behind your body type can save you many hours in the gym and more time outside doing things you enjoy.

What‘s your body type?

ECTOMORPHS are lengthy individuals with small joints, lean muscles and long bones that typically make them taller and skinner than most.  Ectos should concentrate on eating more protein and higher overall calorie consumption because they typically have a higher metabolism.  Exercise sessions need to incorporate weight training with heavy weights and long recovery times.  The goal should be to add density to the muscle fiber structure while minimizing long cardio bouts.  Without adding strength and shape to this frame an Ectomorph will always be lean and stick looking. 

MESOMORPHS are the ideal body type because they have the naturally athletic and fit body type.  These people can maintain a great physique without a lot of working out.  Genetics determine what body we have the Mesomorphs have it all.  Large bones and muscles make body building easy because they can gain and lose weight fast by altering their amount of nutrition and training.  Naturally strong with an aptitude for spatial awareness, Mesomorphs are athletes and warriors and only need to find interesting activities to engage in so that boredom doesn’t make them lazy. 

ENDOMORPHS have solid frames with large bones and hips but are typically pudgy and soft.  They usually have a round, short and stocky physique.  They easily build muscle tissue when exercising and also store extra body fat when over eating because of a slower metabolism.  Their focus needs to be on eliminating extra carbohydrates and sugars from their diet and finding regular physical activities to stimulate their body and mind.   

When trying to lose body fat or gain muscle mass, knowing your body type and tailoring your workouts and nutrition to accommodate your genetics makes being fit and healthy a lifestyle versus a chore. 

About the author:  David has made physical fitness and healthy living a lifelong quest.  He is the owner of Get Toned, a fitness studio in Bowling Green.  He holds a M.S. in Excercise Science from WKU and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine.  He shares tips on fitness and nutrition on his personal blog at www.dnfitness.worpress.com