Many people spend hours working out in the gym or at home but see no significant results. If you’re one of those people, it may be that you’re following a routine that isn’t right for your body type.We all come in different shapes and sizes, which is why it’s important to identify what your body type is and then determine what exercise routine works best for you.
Basically there are three body types. They are:
The Ectomorph or “I” body type
They are tall, generally lean, have a high metabolic rate and store a bare minimal fat in the body.
Best workout plan High intensity short duration weight training coupled with minimal cardio workouts. The main goal of cardio is to help achieve a healthy body-fat percentage, which is why it is of little help to skinny ectomorphs, who often complain of relentless eating with little to no weight gain.
Best diet High-density foods like almonds, peanut butter. Try mini meals that incorporate 50-60% carbs.
The Endomorph or “O” body type
This body type is the complete opposite of the ectomorph. They are generally round and short with high fat storage and muscle mass in the body. They find it hard to drop weight despite trying several diets or workout programmes.
Best workout plan They need to do more of both high intensity weight training and cardio workouts.
Best diet Limit carbs to 30-40% of your meal, eat tons of vegetables and drink water to stay full. Establish a 200-500 calorie deficit if you want to lose weight.
The Mesomorph or “X” body type
A cross between the other two body types, this is the look most fit people work towards. But some are born with it. They are generally lean and broad with high muscle mass and store minimal fat in the body.
Best workout plan High intensity weight training coupled with cardio workouts.
Best diet Keep carbohydrates at 40-60%, eat small portions but enough calories to maintain muscle mass.
Written by Saravanan Hariram
“If you make a career out of your passion, you won’t have to work another day.” That’s a belief Saravanan “Sharu” Hariram has held, and since bodybuilding have always been deep interests, it is no surprise he chose to make fitness his profession.
A champion bodybuilder, Sharu realized early on that he loves teaching and helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. That’s what makes him an ideal partner for HealthifyMe. Apart from American College on Exercise (ACE) certification, he has also been endorsed as a nutrition and fitness trainer by Fitness One India and DSW Fitness (USA).
Sharu’s goal is to stay fit at any age, and he believes that everyone else should aim for the same. Make small changes to your diet, and exercise, and give it 21 days to become a habit, he says. To lead a healthy life, he believes your mind must have control over your body and not the other way around. So think healthy, and stay fit.
