maximalminimality

Have you ever wondered how some people never seem to exercise but they remain buffed? How about those people who seem to eat 24 hours a day but still stay skinny? Their not affected by any physiological disorders, yet they differ so widely. Why is this?

This is where Somatotyping comes in. The Somatotype Theory states that there is a certain genetic factor which affects the appearance and functions of our body, based on the bulking of several basic tissues: digestive, muscular and nervous. There are three basic Somatotypes, but people generally are a combination of more than one body type.

1. Mesomorphs
- Big-boned
- Naturally muscular
- High muscle retention
- Low fat storage
- High metabolism
- More muscle tissues
- Stereotyped as popular and hardworking
Mesomorphs are your general musclemen. They build muscle easily and do not require any specific diets. Mesomorphs usually top the other body types in terms of brute strength.

2. Endomorphs
- Medium-boned
- Naturally muscular
- Very high muscle retention
- High fat storage
- Slow metabolism
- More digestive tissues
- Stereotyped as lazy and sloppy
Endomorphs are naturally muscular like mesomorphs, but their body stores more fat. This accompanied with the slow metabolism would require endomorphs to do more cardiovascular exercises and take larger but less frequent meals.

3. Ectomorphs
- Small-boned
- Naturally slim
- Low muscle retention
- Low fat storage
- Very high metabolism
- More nervous tissues
- Stereotyped as intelligent and fearful
Ectomorphs have a big problem with gaining weight and muscle mass, because of their very high metabolism and low muscle retention. The key is to have smaller but frequent meals, and have an exercise system which focuses on strength training with longer rest periods. Ectomorphs top the other body types in terms of stamina and endurance.

It is possible to change between somatotypes, but you usually keep certain physical characteristics that cannot be changed, such as shoulder width, waist circumference and bone structure.

Go here to find out which somatotype are you: What is Your Body Type? Be reminded that this test is not 100% accurate, but it should give you a brief overview.

I'm an ecto-mesomorph. HMMMMM... Am I supposed to be happy?

Hope this helps!

P.S.: I'm not aching anymore. :)