What's Your Body Type?

What's Your Body Type?
The theory of body types or "Somatypes" categorizes basic
unisex human body types: the Endomorph, characterized by an
abundance of body fat; the Mesomorph, marked by a
well-developed lean, musculature; and the Ectomorph,
distinguished by a lack of either much fat or muscle tissue.

Body typing has been around fitness and bodybuilding
circles for decades. It was pioneered by American
physician, Dr. William H. Sheldon around 1940.

Dr. Sheldon's original body types have been renamed in
recent years. Ectomorphs have become "Thyroids";
Endomorphs became "Lymphatics" and Mesomorphs turned into
"Androids".

A new body type category was created too. It's called the
Gynaeoid ("guy-noid") body type and it applies to women
only.

The Gynaeoid (pronounced "guy-noid") body type is
curvaceous and hippy with a small, tapered waist.
"Pear-shaped" is a accurate description for Gynaeoid body
type.

Gynaeoids tend to have small to medium shoulders and the
breasts vary in size. The hips and thighs curve outwards
and weight gain occurs only below the waistline.

Actress-Singer Jennifer Lopez is the poster child for the
Gynaeoid body type.

Gynaeoid women tend to have a predominance of the estrogen
which targets the uterine region, the hips, thighs and
breasts.

If weight loss is attempted by following a very low fat low
calorie diet, there is a reduction from the breasts,
shoulders and arms etc., but usually not from the thighs
and butt area.

In contrast, the Android or Mesomorph body types are
characterized by broad shoulders, a large rib cage and
strong shapely muscular limbs.

Android body types are somewhat straight up and down with a
narrow pelvis and hips that do not curve outwards. The
waistline is not accentuated.

World-re-known entertainer Madonna is a perfect example of
the Android body type.

Android women have an anabolic metabolism, which favors
body building tendencies. Strength, both physical and
mental, are prominent characteristics of Androids.

Weight gain occurs in the upper part of the body and on the
front of the abdomen, so that an "apple-shaped" torso may
develop.

Overall, these body type characteristics are very broad
descriptions.

Although they do exist, it is rare to find anyone who is a
pure "ecto", "endo", "meso" "andro" or "gyno".

We tend to be unique combinations of each inheriting
genetic characteristics from our family gene pool.

For example, I have an Ectomorpic/Thyroid frame (narrow,
thin bones), but my body composition is solidly
Android/Mesomorph with annoying Endomorphic/Lymphatic
tendencies around my mid-section (many inches to pinch) and
rear end parts.

It's extremenly important to know which body type you most
favor because what often works for one body type when it
comes to diet, exercise and weight loss (or gain) can be
absolutely disastrous for another.

Knowing your body type is THE KEY to taking the right
action to improve your current health situation for the
better.

To Your Health & Well-Being.

Jay Greene

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