by Gregory Downs

Created on: October 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 28, 2008

All it takes is a day at the beach to see that each body has its own special set of characteristics. Because not all body types are the same; a generic work - out program cannot be used for each individual person.Professionals in the health and fitness industry have designed a system where each person's body type will fit into one of three categories, which are called somatotypes; thus helping each person know which exercise is best for their body type. The somatotypes are:

1. The ectomorph: characterized by a short upper body, long arms and legs, long and narrow feet and hands, and very little fat storage; narrowness in the chest and shoulders, with generally long, thin muscles.

2. The mesomorph: large chest, long torso, solid muscle structure, and great strength.

3. The endomorph: soft musculature, round face, short neck, wide hips, and heavy fat storage.(1) No one will fit 100% into one of these categories, but everyone will have the largest percentage of the characteristics fall into one of these somatotypes.

Knowing which somatotype that you fall under, will help dramatically in designing a work - out program that will benefit you the most.

If you are an ectomorph you will be naturally on the thin side, and you will find that building muscle and strength is hard. You will want to do enough cardio to keep your heart and lungs strong, but not so much that you will be burning much body fat. You don't have enough to spare. Two or three 20 - 30 minute cardio sessions a week should be sufficient. Weight training is another matter entirely. You will have to work hard and often to build up muscle. An all around weight training program with free weights should be your concentration.

If you are a mesomorph you will find it pretty easy to build muscle. You will need to make sure there is enough variety in your weight lifting to insure well-developed muscle, and not just bulk. As long as you are watching your diet carefully, you will find that a 30 - minute cardio session should be sufficient to maintain a strong heart and lungs, and also keep the excess body fat off.

If you are an endomorph, your concentration will have to be losing body fat and being very watchful of your diet. You will find though, that it won't be to awfully hard to build muscle. A good balanced weight training program with a concentration on high repetitions should be sufficient for well shaped muscle. You will need to focus on burning fat and cutting calories, so concentrate on at least a 45 - minute cardio session, 4 or 5 times a week. Even though you also need to concentrate on consuming less calories, make sure that your diet is well balanced.

Being able to understand you body type will save you a lot of frustration, and get you on track to the right work - out program. Remember; the best gauge of your body composition, is when you look at yourself in the mirror. After following the correct work - out program for your body type, along with your cardio and dietary needs, it will take no time at all to start to see a difference.

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