Body Types: Are You an Ectomorph, Mesomorph or Endomorph?

There’s a lot of talk on the topic of “body types.” Some people, it seems, are naturally blessed with good genetics while others struggle to stay in shape. Everyone is different but most people fit into three main body type categories, or somewhere in between two.

ECTOMORPH VS ENDOMORPH VS MESOMORPH

The three categories are: ectomorphs, mesomorphs and endomorphs, and each one will take a different approach to training and nutrition.  

The Ectomorph Body Type

Ectomorphs are naturally thin individuals who are also known as "hardgainers." These types usually have lean frames and find it difficult to put on muscle mass.

Ectomorph Workout & Training Tips

If you fall into this category and you want to add lean muscle to your frame, don’t spend countless hours in the cardio section. Focus on weight lifting routines that emphasize large muscle groups to help you build overall strength. These include the squat, deadlift, bench press and shoulder press. Instead of following a fast paced workout full of supersets, take it slow and opt for longer rest periods between sets. This will allow you to lift more throughout your routine. As an ectomorph you have the fastest metabolism of the body types, so you should aim to eat every few hours to keep fueled. This is not an excuse to eat poorly though. Eat quality, nutrient dense foods such as lean meats, fish, potatoes, brown rice, fruits and veggies. Don't shy away from carbs! 

The Ectomorph Stack

This supplement stack will help you add lean size to your ectomorph frame. When it comes to lean gains, the name of the game is calorie intake and our whey protein powders are full of high-quality calories. Creatine Monohydrate has a proven pedigree of more muscle, strength, and endurance, making the perfect partner for the ectomorph. Choose the right pre-workout to emphasize lean muscle growth with ingredients for power, strength, and pumps.

Related Post: Read the full Ectomorph Diet & Workout Guide

 

The Mesomorph Body Type

The “envy” of the body types, mesomorphs are naturally athletic looking. A typical mesomorph has a decent amount of muscle mass. They are relatively lean and are able to gain muscle fairly easily.

Mesomorph Workout & Training Tips

If you’re a mesomorph you’re naturally muscular, and you benefit from a variety of training styles and exercises. In terms of strength training, isolation moves are good for you, as they allow you to dial into your already muscular frame and help you bring lagging muscles up to par. Split your workouts to focus on one body part per day and perform cardio or interval training regularly to help improve your results and highlight your muscular frame. Your nutrition should include a balance of lean protein, whole grain carbs and healthy fats at each meal. You may have it a little easier than the other body types, but that doesn’t mean you should eat poorly.

The Mesomorph Stack

Creatine and pre-workout are a powerful 1-2 combo to help mesomorphs train at their highest intensities. This stack supports power, strength, and explosive energy to get the extra edge from all your workouts. 
 

Related Post: Read the full Mesomorph Diet & Workout Guide

The Endomorph Body Type

A typical endomorph has a shorter and rounder appearance. Endomorphs typically have slower metabolisms and generally have a difficult time shedding fat. They also tend to gain weight and muscle easily.

Endomorph Workout & Training Tips

If you are part of the endomorph club, you may be a bit stockier in appearance than the other body types. You gain muscle more easily than an ectomorph, but you also put on fat very easily. To help minimize fat gain, you should do 3-5 cardio sessions each week, alternating between steady state and HIIT. You should also follow a strength training program that is fast paced to help keep the intensity high. When it comes to nutrition, select meals that are full of lean protein, complex carbs and heart healthy fats. You’ll have to watch food intake a bit more than other body types, so if you’re trying to shed excess body fat that means a few less cheat meals.  

The Endomorph Stack

As an endomorph, you should try to incorporate lean protein into every meal you eat. Because your endomorph workouts focus on big movements and intense intervals, you'll want to make sure you're fueled with amino acids each training session. When it comes to giving it your all every single workout, you may need a boost of energy and focus from a pre-workout.

Related Post: Read the full Endomorph Diet & Workout Guide