What are the different athletic body types and how do they effect your training routine?
Each of our bodies is different, and this is one of the reasons why a custom training plan is so important for your health and fitness. Broadly speaking, there are three body types that athletes can have, and your personal body type will dictate how well you personally respond to different types of food intake and training.
What are the three athletic body types?
The three athletic body types are ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph. Each has its own characteristics, and you can use these to determine which body type you have. You will then be able to arrange to have your training/eating habits adjusted accordingly. This will help you to achieve your fitness goals.
Ectomorph body type: typical characteristics
• Long, lean body
• Delicate frame
• Finds it difficult to build fat and muscle
• Body type reminiscent of a marathon runner
• Fast metabolism
How does an ectomorph body type affect my training regime?
With an ectomorph body, you may find it difficult to build muscle and fat. To help develop more muscle and fat, try to focus on compound movement instead of isolated movements. This will encourage you to use more muscle groups in single exercises.
For example, the bench press helps work out muscles in the chest, shoulders and tricep areas using just the shoulders and elbow. This is preferable to something like a bicep curl, which is isolated to the bicep only.
From a nutrition perspective, stick to complex carbs like brown bread and brown rice. Supplements like protein shakes could also provide an additional boost.
Endomorph body type: typical characteristics
• Stocky, wider body
• Stores muscle and fat in the lower half of the body
• Holds more muscle, but usually with additional fat
• Is built best for strength
• May struggle to stay lean
• Slow metabolism
How does an endomorph body type affect my training regime?
Those with the endomorph body type should train the overall body as opposed to focusing on a single area. High-intensity interval training and other aerobic exercises are best for shocking the body into losing fat.
To enhance metabolism, endomorphs should include muscle building with conditioning. From a nutritional perspective, endomorphs also need a stricter diet plan than others. Fewer carbs and increased protein are the order of the day.
Mesomorph body type: typical characteristics
• In between ectomorph and endomorph types
• Can be simultaneously lean and muscular
• Well-defined “natural athlete” body
Mesomorph body type: training ideas
Mesomorphs have the best of both worlds and generally find it easier to build muscle and lose fat than other body types. Moderate lifting and some aerobic exercise will help to create the best possible body. Nutritionally, mesomorphs should aim for equal amounts of protein and fat, with a moderate amount of carbs for good measure.
Find out more
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