ECTOMORPH BODY TYPE
An ectomorph has the body type that is most often seen in the pages of fashion magazines. They are slim boned, long limbed, lithe and have very little body fat and little muscle. Ectomorphs tend to have fragile, delicately built bodies and find it difficult to gain weight or add muscle. Supermodels, ballerinas and basketball players most commonly fall into this group.
Ectomorph Characteristics:
Skinny
Small joints/ boned
Long arms and legs
Linear physique – “ruler”
Small shoulders
Lightly muscled
Small chest and buttocks
Low body fat (without exercising or following low calorie diets)
Can eat anything they like without weight gain
Fast and efficient metabolism
Difficulty gaining weight
Hyperactive
Difficulty in gaining muscle mass
Ectomorph Problems
With age, even the super-fast metabolism of the ectomorph slows down and as a result, they often gain weight, since they are not used to exercising or watching their calorie intake. Although ectomorphs tend to be highly regarded, one must remember that they have problems of their own. Ectomorphs tend to lack shape because of their low muscle mass. Female ectomorphs are likely to be flat chested and may complain of looking boyish, wishing they had more womanly curves. Male ectomorphs struggle to increase their muscle mass and may look wiry. As you see, they too, have to work hard to achieve their goals. As ectomorphs lack muscle mass, thus they need to keep their weight lower than endomorphs or mesomorphs.
Famous Ectomorphs
Male examples include Brad Pitt, Bruce Lee, Chris Rock, Toby Maguire and Edward Norton.
Female examples with ectomorphic characteristics, include Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, Audrey Hepburn, Thandie Newton, Cameron Diaz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Whitney Houston, Heather Locklear, Darcey Bussell, Kylie Minogue and Calista Flockhardt.
Ectomorph Plan
Ectomorphs may be underweight, but over-fat and thus be carrying too much body fat and not enough lean mass (muscle). Hence, the skinny people who look wobbly naked and the term skinny fat. Ectomorphs can benefit, as much as the other two body groups, from body fat (composition) measurements. Even ectomorphs can't get away without exercise if it is a super sleek toned body they are after.
If it is shape you want, you need to increase your muscle mass. The ectomorph diet should choose nutrient and calorie dense foods for their snacks and meals, such as nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, and starchy vegetables. Also, try a weight gain diet for ectomorphs, if you want to put on weight.
If you are struggling to gain weight, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. People suffering with hyperthyroidism for example, experience weight loss, are unable to gain weight and tend to be hyperactive and fidgety.
