How to Pick an Exercise for Your Body Type

Whether you're pear shaped or have a natural stick figure, making sure you pick the right workout and exercise routine is essential for good health. When you want to stay in shape for the long-term, you'll to choose specific exercises that complement your body type. Here's how to pick the right exercise for your body type.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A personal fitness assessment
• Exercise books and videos
• A commitment to exercise regularly
• A healthy eating plan

1. Determine what your body type is. The basic body types are Endomorphs (round and curvy), Mesomorphs (medium build, athletic and muscular), and Ectomorphs (tall, lean, and sometimes frail looking). Consult a fitness expert or personal trainer to determine which category you fall into.

2. Plot your exercise calendar. This will help you stick with your fitness routine and help you become disciplined about your workout schedule. Identify open times (or create them) when you can fit in a 35- to 65-minute workout throughout the week.

3. Begin with a weight training session. Endomorphs can join a body shaping class where weights are incorporated with light cardio. Mesomorphs can jump right into intensive weight training that targets specific muscle groups. Ectomorphs can build muscle with floor routines such as pilates, yoga and stretching that uses their own body weight as resistance.

4. Choose the right cardio routine. Endomorphs can benefit from kickboxing, spinning and high-intensity aerobic routines. Mesomorphs can benefit from elliptical machines, stairmasters and other cardio equipment that engages the entire body. Ectomorphs can benefit from treadmill walking/running, running laps and also kickboxing.

5. Choose the right stretching routine. Endomorphs and mesomorphs can benefit from stretches before a cardio workout that warm up all muscle groups. Ectomorphs can benefit most from yoga stretches that target key muscles that are being trained on a regular basis.

Tips & Warnings

• Build up stamina and endurance by alternating cardio workouts with resistance training
• Workout with a friend to stay motivated year round
• Watch your diet so you're not sabotaging your weight or health goals
• If you fall under two different body types, mix up your workout to accommodate for both
• Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water per day to keep muscles well-hydrated and avoid fatigue
• Alternate your workouts and exercises so your body doesn't adapt to a specific routine
• Avoid burnout by trying new routines and equipment at least once a month