An ectomorph is born with a particular body type, inherited from the more dominant traits he has acquired from his family.
If you tend to have a hard time gaining weight, whether it’s fat or muscle, no matter what you eat, you’re an ectomorph.
This somatotype is known to have long and slender limbs.
If you’re naturally pencil-shaped with narrow shoulders and hips, you have more than a hint of an ectomorph in you.
While being an ectomorph is certainly not the worst thing that can happen to you, you’d rather be a mesomorph. Why should you want to be a mesomorph?
Well, a true mesomorph is the ideal human physique. These people are born with a decent metabolism and balanced bone structure. They are naturally athletic and find it easy to build muscle, be it lean or bulk.
Now there really is no use envying mesomorphs. Rest assured, the female ectomorph gets more than her fair share of envy too.
The male ectomorph, however, is the real “hard winner” of gymnastics circles. Fortunately, there are many diet and exercise programs that allow the male ectomorph to overcome this “can’t gain muscle” problem. The results can be spectacular, depending on your determination.
As an ectomorph, you can eat almost anything you want and plenty of it without going all the way to your hips, waist, and thighs. However, when you choose to eat junk (buckets full of saturated fats and simple carbohydrates), your body will look limp and sloppy just like anyone else’s. You can hide it better. But you and your bathroom mirror know your terrible secret.
What’s more, your poor diet is going to affect your health. Many ectomorphs have high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, dangerously high cholesterol, and even worse diet-related chronic conditions.
An ectomorph more than the other 2 somatotypes, he must eat frequently, at regular intervals or he will quickly run out of energy. No energy = no exercise = no body tone. There is no way to live your life.
The trick is to have enough complex carbohydrates, protein, and unsaturated fats on hand to prevent you from choosing the fast food option, which won’t do your body any good. Fast, fatty and sugary foods won’t provide you with the essential nutrients you need.
Although you can’t change your bone structure (without expensive and risky surgery), you can change your shape a bit by building lean or bulky muscle mass. You can strengthen your shoulder muscles by using reasonably light weights. You can get some waist definition with exercises that target your abs. You can develop shapely and toned legs without resorting to an exhaustive cardio program.
To get the most out of the body you are in, you need to diet and exercise according to what an ectomorph body responds best to. Work smarter, not harder, and your body will reward your efforts.
