How to Find Your Body Type

Determine your body type before engaging in a weight-control program.

In the 1940s, William Herbert Sheldon, an American psychologist and medical doctor, developed a system of body type classifications. A body type is often called body shape. Sheldon divided body shapes into endomorphic, mesomorphic and ectomorphic categories. If you know your body type, you can decide what approach you need to use in weight control and training (or exercise). Understand that you will not be able to change your genetics or bone structure, however. So work with what you have and don't set unreachable goals for yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror (full-length, if possible)

Instructions

1. Stand in front of the full-length mirror.

2. Examine the traits that sum up your body shape. Come up with several adjectives that describe your body.

3. Conclude that you're endomorphic if your overall shape resembles an apple or pear. The "apples" in this group will have more weight on the top portion of the torso, and the pears have more on the lower portion. This type of body has higher fat storage, big bone structure, less muscle and a broad waist. It is also common for the legs to be short in this body type. Weigh gain is common for this body type.

4. Look to see if your shape is "hourglass" for women or "rectangle" for men. If so, you're most likely in the mesomorphic category. This body type has big bone structure, low fat storage and a solid torso. It is also common for the waist to be slender and the shoulders broad in this body type. This type of body is considered athletic and can usually gain or lose weight easily.

5. Determine if your body is more like a banana. This may indicate you have an ectomorphic body shape. This body type has lengthy arms and legs, short top torso, slender shoulders, low fat storage and long, thin muscles. This body type will usually have trouble gaining weight.

Tips & Warnings

• It is very common for an individual to fall into two (and sometimes all three) groups of body types. If this is the case for you, consider all body types when attempting any changes in diet and exercise.

• Always consult with your doctor first for more information concerning any changes in diet and exercise.

References

• BodyBuilding.com; What is Your Body Type?; Paul Becker