When I first got into health and fitness, I was overwhelmed with all of the different diets, supplements, and training programs available. There were so many conflicting theories concerning fitness that I had no idea what I should be doing. The result was that I put a whole lot of effort for along time into spinning my wheels to not get anywhere.

I was frustrated and about to give up when a guy in the gym started talking to me about the different body types. I'd never even heard of such a thing. SO I started doing some research and learned the reason why I wasn't making any progress in the gym or with dieting.

I found out that I was an Ecto-Mesomorph...unfortunately I did not get the best of both worlds, kind of the opposite. I inherited the Ectomorph's struggle to put on muscle with the Mesomorph's ability to put on fat while trying.

So it’s important to be able to identify and understand your body type. Each of the body types requires completely unique training methods and diet plans. The need to know the difference is so serious that the program needed for one type will not only not work for another, but will sometimes actually cause you to the wrong body type to lose ground! So here is a rundown about the three genetic body types; ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph and their traits:

Ectomorph:

Ectomorphs are typically skinny. They have a slight build with smaller bones and joints and are mostly made up of lean muscle. Usually ectos have long, lean limbs with stringy muscles. Their shoulders are generally thin with little

width.

Typical traits of an ectomorph:

Small â€Å"delicate” frame and bone structure

Finds it very hard to change muscle composition â€" tone muscle or grow muscle

Flat chested

Small shoulders

Thin

Lean muscle mass

Does not put on weight easily

Faster metabolism

Ectomorphs find it extrememly hard to gain weight. They have a very fast rate of metabolism so their calories all burn up very quickly. Ecto’s have to take in a huge amount of calories in order to gain weight. Workouts should be short in length and intense focusing on the major muscle groups.

Supplements are definitely helpful to ectos. Ectomorphs should eat serveral meals a day including before bed so there are plenty of calories available during the night. If there arent enough, ectos will digest their own muscle content due to the high metabolic rate. Almost always ectomorphs can lose fat quite easily which makes cutting down to lean muscle easy for them.

Mesomorph:

Mesomorphs are big boned with large muscles and a naturally athletic build. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.

Typical traits on a Mesomorph:

Athletic

Hard body with well defined muscles

Rectangular shaped body

Strong

Gains muscle easily

Gains fat more easily than ectomorphs

Unlike the Ectos, mesomorphs respond easily to weight training. Gains are usually seen very quickly, especially for beginners. How ever, this doesn't come with out a price. Mesomorphs also gain fat more easily than ectomorphs. This means they must watch their calorie intake. Usually a combination of weight training and aerobic training, or cross training, works best for mesomorphs.

Endomorph:

Endomorph's bodies are usually solid and generally soft. Endos get fat very easily. Usually they are of a shorter stature with thicker limbs. They aren't without strength, though, especially the upper legs. Endomorphs find they usually excel in leg exercises like the squat.

Typical traits of an Endomorph:

Soft and round body

Gains muscle and fat very easily

Is generally short and â€Å"stocky”

Round physique

Finds it hard to lose fat

Slow metabolism

When it comes to training endomorphs find that they will have no problem with gaining weight, but unlike the Mesos, endos gain mostly fat. To keep fat gain to a minimum, endos must always train cardio as well as weights, and probably heavier on the cardio.

A combination of body types.

These body types are just the three base forms. Within these are several more which are combinations of two of these. As a matter of fact, most people are not an absolute type, most are a hybrid. A percentage of one and a percentage of another. You have to weigh them out to come up with what fits you the best. I am about half Ectomorph and half meso. You might find that your two thirds Endo and one third mesomorph.

So which body type are you?

You should have enough information now to identify your body type. You'll need to optimize your diet and training to suit your body type if you want to achieve the body you want.

The thing to remember is that anyone can have a body closer to their 'dream bod'. Its just easier for someone whos ideal is naturally not that far removed from their genetic type. For example, a Man who is a pure Mesomorph isn't going to have to work very hard to get big and a woman who is a pure Ectomorph doesn't have to try very hard to stay lean. For the other body types to accomplish the same thing is still possible, it just takes exponentially more work the farther your body type is from your dream body. A woman who is an Endo and wants to look like an Ecto will have to use the corresponding diet and training program and put more effort into them than the other groups. And Likewise for a man who is an Endo and wants to look like a meso.

Learn more:

Learn more about how to lose fat and build lean muscle naturally for your body type by visiting www.LoseFatGainMuscle.Info