Gentlemen, do you know what body type you are? Men’s bodies can vary dramatically in height, build, muscle mass, body-fat distribution and overall shape. Genetics, age, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle can all influence how your body looks and changes over time.
You’ve probably heard men described as an ectomorph, endomorph or mesomorph. These three men’s body types come from a classification system developed decades ago and are still commonly discussed in fitness. Today, they’re better viewed as general descriptions of body shape rather than strict biological categories.
Most people don’t fit perfectly into just one category, but understanding the characteristics associated with each can still provide an interesting starting point when thinking about fitness, nutrition and body composition.
Let’s look at the history behind the three men’s body types and what each one traditionally describes.follows:
- Ectomorph
- Endomorph
- Mesomorph
THIS HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF MEN’S BODY TYPES
In the early 1940s, there was an American psychologist by the name of William Sheldon. He believed that human’s physical characteristics had an effect on their psychology. To prove his belief, he designed a classification system to co-relate physiology with psychology and presented his findings in his books titled:
- The Varieties of Human Physique: An Introduction to Constitutional Psychology (1940)
- The Varieties of Temperament: A Psychology of Constitutional Differences (1942)
- Atlas of Men: A Guide for Somatotyping the Adult Male at All Ages (1954)
He classified humans into three separate body types and associated their physical characteristics with their nature. For example, he said that mesomorph men, who have a square-shaped and muscular body, are by nature dynamic and active but also a little aggressive and assertive. Whereas endomorph men have round-shaped and soft bodies, and this makes them gentle, relaxed, extroverted, and comfortable.
Even though William Sheldon’s theory of a correlation between the 3 physiologies and their associated psychologies is no longer in use, the 3 men’s body types are still relevant when it comes to health and fitness.
So, what are these 3 men’s body types, and how can you identify yours? Read on to find the answer to your questions.
ENDOMORPHS
Endomorph men have round-shaped bodies, and they tend to gain weight really fast. They have bigger waists, and their body frame can be defined as soft and chubby. Most endomorph men are short and have thick legs and arms. They require regular exercise and for longer durations because their physique can make them look fat if their weight is not maintained.
Fitness trainers have noted that endomorph men have more muscle mass as compared to mesomorph and ectomorph men. Their metabolic rate is also slower, which makes it harder for them to lose weight.
However, with regular exercise and strength training, endomorphs can build their muscles and improve their physique.
ECTOMORPHS
Ectomorph men are the complete opposite of endomorph men. They are tall and lanky. They have a very thin and delicate body frame. Ectomorphs have small joints and very little muscle mass. Their arms and legs are long and slender, and they have thin shoulders and flat chests. Overall, their body appears to look long, narrow, and skinny. Even their faces are longer and narrower.
Fitness experts have observed that ectomorph men find it very hard to gain weight, and they have very less body fat. The metabolic rate of ectomorph men is very high. Even though they have large appetites, most of what they eat quickly gets burned, and this is why ectomorph men are considered to be very active.
As ectomorph men have delicate body frames, strength training exercises and protein-rich diets can improve their physique.
MESOMORPH
Mesomorph men are well-built and muscular. They can be tall or medium built, but one thing is for sure, they will have a broad bone structure. They have a naturally athletic physique. Their strong muscles make their bodies hard and tough. They usually have rectangular-shaped bodies with straight, broad shoulders and a wide chest.
They have strong arms and legs, and their heads are bigger than ectomorphs to balance their broad shoulders. It is fairly easy for mesomorph men to gain weight. Their metabolic rate is neither too fast nor too slow, making them ideal candidates for sports and fitness.
Men’s Body Types, Fitness and Body Sculpting
Understanding the traditional three men’s body types can provide a general way to think about differences in body shape, but your body isn’t permanently defined by a somatotype. Genetics play a role, but age, nutrition, exercise, muscle development and overall body composition also influence how your physique changes.
Rather than building an entire fitness routine around being an ectomorph, endomorph or mesomorph, focus on your individual goals and how your body responds to nutrition and training.
For men who exercise regularly but still have specific stubborn areas they’d like to target, body sculpting can complement a healthy fitness routine. Technologies such as ultrasonic cavitation and radiofrequency can be used as part of a body-contouring approach designed to target specific areas rather than overall weight loss.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re focused on your stomach, waist, thighs, arms or other stubborn areas, TushToners gives you options for incorporating body sculpting into your routine. See what others have achieved, explore body sculpting from home, or experience a professional session in person.
See Real TushToners Results
Explore At-Home Body Sculpting
Schedule a Body Sculpting Session
