Tag: body-type
Being An Ectomorph, Good Or Bad?
by Malehealth Guru on May.23, 2010, under Muscle building
As a hardgainer, you should acknowledge that your genetic capacity for mass development is not quite on the same level as those lucky, genetically gifted mesomorphs, who can put on muscle just by thinking about bench pressing! Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but not too far from the truth.
You’re going to have to work-out smarter, be more disciplined, and have the perseverance to overcome the genetic shortcoming of the ectomorph body-type you’ve been endowed with.
If I’m losing you with all the ecto- meso- “morph” terminology, then this article should bring you up to speed.
Somatotypes and Body Type Categorization
There are three basic somatotypes, or body types as proposed by Dr. William H. Sheldon back in the 1930′s that are used to seperate individuals based on their physical traits and characteristics. It is not a perfect classification system, because even though some people fit these descriptions precisely, other people will be a mixture of two or more body types(i.e. an ecto-mesomorph.) Never-the-less, it is a great beginning for deciding your genetic traits, your capacity for building mass, and planning a program that maximizes your body’s potential.
Here are the three somatotypes:
– Ectomorphic: characterized by long and thin muscles/limbs and low fat retention; generally referred to as slim.
– Mesomorphic: characterized by large bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waistline.
– Endomorphic: characterized by increased fat storage, a wide waist and a large bone structure.
The True Hardgainer
Most individuals that are conceieved to be true hardgainers fall into the ectomorphic category. Since this post is dedicated to helping ectomorphs bring in their full genetic potential, we will be focusing our attention on this body type specifically.
As an ectomorph, your metabolism is in overdrive, implying you are rather lean, and thin and experience trouble in gaining weight of any kind (muscle or fat.) You most likely lack significant physical strength and this is obvious because you are also lacking in muscle mass. The extreme hardgainer has a delicate and soft physique, with a lighter skeletal structure, small wrists and joints. The hardgainer may be slightly taller than the average individual, and thus has longer limbs, which are not advantageous to moving heavy weights. Recovery ability of the body is also more lengthythan mesomorphs and endomorphs.
Common Physical Traits of the Hardgainer:
– Thin
– Flat Chest
– Delicate Build
– Tall
– Lightly Muscled
– Stoop Shouldered
– Young looking
– Narrow Bones
Common Personality Traits of the Ectomorph:
– Self-conscious
– Preference for privacy
– Introverted
– Socially Anxious
– Mentally Intense
– Emotionally Restrained
As you may have guessed or probably know from experience, all of these characteristics are not favorable in your pursuit to pack on muscle mass, size, and strength.
After considering this, you may wonder if being an hardgainer in truth has any benefits. Are you lost to being skinny for the rest of your life? You may also wonder whether you should even bother trying to lift weights to begin with. Maybe you should just stick to endurance sports?
To quickly answer these questions I say Yes, No, Yes, and NO! Just because you do not have the genetic propensity to become a massive pro-bodybuilder does not mean you cannot pack on slabs of lean muscle mass to your body. You can, although it will require more work, focus, and desire.
In fact, lots of hardgainers have gone on to make incredible transformations adding 20, 30, 50, even 100+ pounds to their smaller sized frames in a matter of months rather than years. This all depends on your intelligence as a lifter, your desire and passion to make this type of transformation, and your ability to master the principles of gaining muscle.
In short, even as an ectomorph, you can create a classic, muscular physique. Not only that, but there are even some unique benefits to being an hardgainer that you may not have considered.
To Your Success in Training and in Life,
Brandon Cook
About the Author:
Brandon Cook is creator of The Enlightened Warrior Blog, and co-creator of HardgainerMuscleBuilding.com, a website specifically designedto teach the hardgainer the secrets and scientific principles for building a classic, muscular physique.
HargainerMuscleBuilding.com features a free email class covering the basic principles of training naturally, eating a nutritious, muscle-building diet, and understanding the truth about supplements. The website is filled with free articles, videos, and the programs you need to create your ideal body.
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