Looking to improve your health? Maybe you want to lose weight or gain muscle. No matter what your goal is, we know something you don’t…the secret to your success is your body type.
There’s no denying that everyone’s body is unique and special, but William Herbert Sheldon theorized that each body could fit into 3 categories or somatotypes: endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph. Understanding where you fit can help you learn how your body gains and loses weight. So, if you’re ready to craft the best health plan for you, click "Start" to discover your body type.
Questions Overview
- I can easily gain weight but have trouble losing it.
- I can easily gain or lose weight without much thought.
- I can easily lose weight but have trouble keeping it on.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Pear-shaped (my hips are wider than my shoulders).
- Hourglass (my waist is smaller than my shoulders and hips).
- Rectangular (my hips and shoulders are the same width).
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Fairly easy, but I have to put in a lot of work.
- Extremely easy! I’m naturally muscular.
- Not easy at all. It’s hard for me to gain any type of weight, especially muscle.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Soft and round.
- Strong and muscular.
- Skinny and bony.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Wide and stocky.
- Average.
- Long and lean.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- My stomach, hips, and thighs.
- My lower body and chest.
- My stomach.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Slower than the average person’s. I have to be very careful about what I eat.
- About the same as the average person’s. My weight stays steady as long as I eat and exercise well.
- Faster than the average person’s. No matter what I eat, I don’t gain weight.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Weight-lifting.
- High-intensity interval training (a mix of cardio and bodyweight exercises).
- Cardio.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
- Relaxed. I prefer playing video games over going to the gym.
- Active. I love moving my body!
- Average. I don’t go out of my way to exercise, but I’ll go on a walk every now and then.
- I’m not sure which of these responses best matches me.
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What's a Body Type?
According to American psychologist William Herbert Sheldon, there are 3 dominant body types or somatotypes: endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph. While each person is different, it’s believed that every body can be categorized into these 3 types based on a few deciding factors:
- The endomorph body type has a higher body fat percentage, is typically shaped like a pear, and easily stores fat.
- The mesomorph body type has an athletic and muscular build, steady metabolism, and naturally “V” shape.
- The ectomorph body type has a tall, lanky frame and an extremely fast metabolism.
So, how do these body types help us? Since Sheldon’s discovery, science has proven time and time again that a person’s body type can greatly impact their overall health. Personal trainers, dietitians, and physical therapists can help individuals reach their fitness and health goals by personalizing their diet and exercise plans to match their body type. For instance:
- An endomorph thrives on a diet full of lean proteins and healthy fats and works best when practicing steady-state cardio and strength exercises.
- A mesomorph needs a high-protein diet with cardio-heavy workouts and strength interval training.
- An ectomorph can gain weight and muscle by eating complex carbohydrates and protein while lifting weights.
Want to learn more?
For more information about body types, check out these resources:
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