The body type you have influences what kind of workout routine will be best for you.
You can’t go from an inactive lifestyle to a high-intensity one the next day, and it’s important to find a fitness routine that works with your body type so that you don’t risk injury or burnout. The key is finding a balance between diet and exercise, which means different weights for different folks. This article will explain how to do just that!
For instance, if your goal is weight loss then strength training would help in this area because muscle burns more calories than fat does when at rest–even while sleeping! This, and several other topics, will be discussed below.
Body Measurement
Is your height 5 ft. 11 inches or 6 ft.? Is your weight 200 lbs. or 125 lbs.? Your body measurements are just as important to figure out the best workout routine for you as the actual numbers on the scale. There are numerous ways, tools, and calculators to help determine many of your physical characteristics, most of them can be best explained by a fitness expert, though you can even search for them online. Virtually everyone has a measuring tape and could measure their height, and almost everyone has a scale at home.
But what about your body’s composition? Determining how “fit” you are is usually done via the BMI scale, body composition calculators (like the Navy Method), or by a professional.
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much of your body is composed of fat. BMI doesn’t measure the distribution of fat on your body, just the total amount. This is important because muscle weighs more than fat. So, if you have a high BMI but are very muscular, you may not be as unhealthy as someone with a low BMI who has more body fat.
Getting these measurements right is an important first step in creating a proper workout routine.
What’s Your Goal?
The goal of a workout routine can be very different for each person and is based on your body composition.
If you are looking to gain muscle, your routine should be completely different than if you are trying to lose weight. Defining your goal is key and is best consulted with someone more experienced. Any workout routine takes considerable time and effort and should therefore be directed in the right direction from the start.
But keep in mind that whatever you see on TV or in the cinema, it is still OK to exercise for the sole purpose of being healthy, and not because you want to look like a superstar.
Common Body Types
Now that you have a rough idea of your goals and measurements, knowing what your body type is will help to determine the best workout routine.
Ectomorphs are naturally thin with little muscle. Endomorphs naturally carry more fat than other types and typically have trouble losing weight. And finally, the hard gainers, or mesomorphs, are those who can bulk up with very little effort – which often leads them to overtrain in the gym.
First off, don’t think you’re stuck with just one body type; most people tend to be a combination of two but usually lean toward one extreme or another. The important thing is to identify where you fall within these three categories so you know which workouts to prioritize.
Weight Gain
If you are looking to gain weight, you need to eat more and lift heavier weights. This will add muscle mass to your frame. You should also try HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts because they cause your body to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Gaining muscles is tough work and it also requires a lot of protein. Aim to eat around 1 gram per pound of your body weight, spread out over six meals a day.
Most people who lead a sedentary lifestyle need to be careful when doing heavy lifting as they are not used to it and could injure themselves. Start with lighter weights and increase the amount as you get stronger.
Weight Loss
If you are looking to lose weight, you need to eat less and do cardio exercises, especially whole-body exercises. This will help you burn more calories than you consume. You should also try circuit training workouts because they cause your body to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Losing weight is tough work and it also requires a lot of discipline. Aim to eat around 1 gram per pound of your lean body weight, spread out over six meals a day.
Most people who are overweight or obese should start their workout routine by gradually adding cardio exercises into their routine until they have built up enough endurance to do high-intensity exercises for longer periods of time.
Endurance
If you are looking to increase your endurance, you need to do cardio exercises. This will help you burn more calories than you consume and will also help improve your overall cardiovascular health. You should also try circuit training workouts because they cause your body to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Increasing your endurance takes time and patience.
No matter what your body type is, it is important to start slowly and gradually add intensity over time. This will help prevent any injuries and will also allow your body to get used to the new routine.
Choosing a workout routine can be overwhelming because there are so many variables to consider. Your body type, fitness goals, and lifestyle all play into what will provide the most effective results for you. That’s why it’s key that you understand your body type before beginning any workout plan.
If you’re someone who is naturally thin or athletic with low muscle mass then cardio exercises would likely suit you best in order to avoid overworking muscles when weight training. On the other hand, if you have more fat on your frame but are looking for something high-intensity to burn calories quickly then interval workouts might be better suited for this goal.
Whatever you end up doing – remember to eat healthily and have fun!
Author bio:
Allen Brown is a keen writer covering topics such as health, travel, beauty and such. He enjoys spending time playing the drums in his past time.
