“Its just my body type!”
How many times have you heard a friend or family member say that they are just meant to be that way?
It’s in their genes.
Their Mum and Dad were that way.
There is nothing that can be done to change it.
You know the schpeil…
But this really does beg the question…
Is there a particular reason why some people struggle to lose weight/build muscle/gain weight etc?
This topic is one that is being researched extensively, but with that, as you know things simply fall down into rabbit hole after rabbit hole and it’s a decade or two before we can get any real, usable information that can benefit you.
So what do we actually know – For decades now we have been using a “formula” for categorizing the human body shape – this is called Somatotyping.
It goes as follows:
Ectomorphs – are tall with little body fat, and little muscle tissue. They have a hard time gaining weight.
Endomorphs – carry more body fat, usually shorter with smaller limbs and have difficulty losing weight.
Mesomorphs – characterized as carrying more muscle tissue, with a triangularly shaped physique and with good posture.
Although there are 3 clear categories it’s imperative that you remember these are not set in stone!
We each have some aspects of all 3.
Depending on where you sit for this formula there are some things that will genetically be easier for you and harder for you. This applies not only on a physiological level but also psychologically.
But let me stop you right there.
Does this mean that an Endomorph can’t lose 20kg’s of body fat?
No.
Does that mean that an Ectomorph can’t add 20kg’s of muscle mass?
No.
Does that mean that a Mesomorph won’t ever get themselves out of shape?
Definitely not.
We are each dealt a particular card. We could also bring to the table the Nurture VS Nature debate but it’s almost meaningless due to what I’m going to tell you.
Where ever you are right now, you’ve got the opportunity to develop the very best version of yourself.
This is exactly what we drive home to each and every client that we work with.
If you’re not happy with where you are right now you have the opportunity to change that with simple training, nutrition, behavior and lifestyle choices.
Are there particular strategies that work well for Ecto’s, Meso’s and Endo’s depending on their goal? 100% and we use them daily.
But regardless of where you feel that you fall within the body type formula, it will not limit your opportunity to get to a place that you are happy with.
Want proof?
Take a deep breath. You can do this!
Matthew
