Should Your Body Type Really Dictate Your Workout Style?

The Tea

A few years ago, a friend of mine tried to get into running. She wanted to get fit while spending more time outside, so she figured running would be her best bet. And while she loved the fresh air and scenery that came with her morning jogs, she felt that she wasn’t reaching her physical fitness goals as quickly as she hoped.

She was confused and annoyed. Any form of regular exercise is meant to get you in better shape, right?

The truth is that certain body types are better suited for specific workouts than others. That’s why some people will find quick results, while others won’t see much of a difference. You might want to try tailoring your workouts to your body type if you’ve been in a similar situation to my friend.

The Brew

We’ve got your back if you’re wondering, ‘how should I workout according to my body type?’

Let’s begin with identifying your body type (if you don’t know already). We’re not talking about purely visual characteristics like pear or hourglass silhouettes, though knowing these will help you determine which category you fall under. You’ll also need to consider biological attributes like your metabolism and body fat level.

What Are The Different Body Types?

There are three main body types:

Endomorph

An endomorph body is what many refer to as curvy. Endomorphs typically have a wider build with big hips and large bones. Their weight tends to accumulate in the hips, thighs, and lower stomach.

These individuals may struggle with losing weight because of an inactive thyroid. This gland has a direct affect on your metabolism, and when it’s inactive, the metabolism slows down. Endomorphs may have to work out more than other body types to lose or maintain weight. They should choose higher intensity exercises that burn a lot of calories to avoid weight gain.

Ectomorph

Ectomorphs are the opposite of endomorphs. They have lean, thin bodies with narrow hips and shoulders. Many ectomorphs are tall, but it is possible to find petite ectomorphs. They don’t easily gain weight, even if they eat a lot of food. An ectomorph might need to use dietary supplements, along with foods that are rich in calories, in order to gain weight.

This body type typically comes with a fast metabolism and a low level of body fat. Sometimes ectomorphs can struggle to gain muscle, so their workouts might need to place extra emphasis on muscle growth.

Mesomorph

This body type is a combination of endomorph and ectomorph. These individuals have larger bones and thicker joints with powerful, muscular shoulders. Their bodies have a large production of growth hormones and testosterone, and they tend to be naturally athletic. Their metabolism is stable, neither too slow nor too fast, so they don’t have to face the challenges of losing or gaining weight.

Which Workouts Are Best For The Different Body Types?

As you can see, the different body types will benefit from targeting specific areas. Here are some suggestions for endomorphs, ectomorphs, and mesomorphs!

The Best Workouts for Endomorphs

Endomorphs tend to have a slow metabolism, so they’ll need to engage in more vigorous exercises if they want to lose weight. Full-body exercises like resistance training and cardio will be the most beneficial.

Here are some effective options for endomorphs:

Jogging
Swimming
Cycling
Power yoga
Pilates
HIIT (high-intensity interval training)

Workout for Ectomorphs

Ectomorphs are lucky since they don’t have to work too hard to maintain their lean physiques. However, those looking to build muscle or simply stay fit can benefit from low-intensity cardio, resistance training, and strength training.

Here are some options you can consider:

Compound exercises (squats, presses)
Isolation exercises (curls, dips)
Yoga
Pilates
Dancing
Hiking

Workout for Mesomorphs

The primary focus of mesomorphs should be strength and endurance. These natural athletes benefit from both strength training and cardiovascular exercise, so they can switch up their workouts as they see fit.

Here are just a few different forms of exercise that mesomorphs can engage in:

Compound strength training
Compound isolation training
HIIT
Sprinting/running
Rowing
Swimming
Cycling

The Pour

Your body type is definitely an important factor in deciding the best type of workout for you. If you’re still not sure what body type you fall under or aren’t finding exercises that resonate with you, you can always ask a trainer for more guidance!