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How can various body types be categorized?
William H. Sheldon in his writings (1940-2) on human
physique and temperament introduced a theory outlining
three basic body types.
His theory has become accepted in literature dealing
with weight, bodybuilding and exercise.
In recent years some researchers have gone beyond
these three basic categories, one even compiling a
chart of 45 different body types.
This new method of classification deals first with
body proportion and bone structure and then allows for
varying levels of fatness or thinness.
Nevertheless, the three main categories commonly
recognized are set out below although it must be
emphasized these are broad categories. There is great
variation within them and the danger of
oversimplification needs to be avoided due to numerous
combinations.
ECTOMORPH - slender or lean
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thin flat chest
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delicate build
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young appearance
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tall
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lightly muscled
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stoop-shouldered
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large brain
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has trouble gaining weight
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muscle growth takes longer
MESOMORPH - more muscular
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hard, muscular body
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overly mature appearance
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rectangular shaped
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thick skin
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upright posture
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gains or loses weight easily
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grows muscle quickly
ENDOMORPH - larger and fleshier
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soft body
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underdeveloped muscles
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round shaped
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over-developed digestive system
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trouble losing weight
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generally gains muscle easily
What can I do to change my body shape?
Some modern researchers are emphasizing that every
body has a natural beauty. Instead of having a mental
image of the "perfect body", they advise having a
realistic view of self and begin to view our own body
as beautiful.
Any body type can lose or gain weight. This of course
will be in relation to a person's bone structure and
body proportion, allowing for varying levels of
fatness or thinness.
It must be stated then that we cannot drastically
change the body we were born with. We can learn to
live with it and appreciate it.
Having said that, there are certain changes we can
make involving slimming, firming body areas such as
buttocks, hips, breasts, and improving the condition
of our skin.
These changes can make a great difference to how we
look and consequently how we feel about ourselves.
How does aging affect body shape?
Our muscles gradually begin to shrink with age which
slows the rate at which we burn calories. The less
muscles we have, the less calories we burn.
So as we begin to lose muscle tissue our fat burning
capacity diminishes and we begin to add weight to
various parts of our frame.
This process often begins after the age of 25.
In men, the fat tends to go to the mid-section.
In women, the fat often goes to the abdominals, thighs
and buttocks.
What is the difference between body toning and
dieting?
Dieting involves adjusting the diet through
supplements or abstinence from certain foods for
periods of time in order to lose weight.
Body toning may or may not include weight loss.
Generally it means firming up parts of the body
through exercise, muscle building and/or the use of
certain herbal formulas which can be applied to the
parts of the body needing attention.
How important is exercise?
Very important!
Walking is one of the best exercises for strengthening
bones, controlling weight, toning the leg muscles,
maintaining good posture and improving our self-image.
Specific exercise and muscle toning programs can
tighten a protruding stomach, remove the bulge around
the waist, add support to the back muscles, lift and
firm a sagging bottom or tone flabby thighs for
better-looking, shapelier legs.
An ebook about body weight and shape which includes
good information on how to get the best from exercise
is available here:
Weight Control & Exercise
What can be done for unshapely breasts, buttocks and
hips?
A number of herbal formulas are now available which
help firm up breasts, buttocks and hips. They are
natural and do not use hormones.
A buttocks and hips firming cream can reduce the
appearance of sagging skin and specifically firm up
this body area.
Breast enhancement formulas have been found to be
effective with 89% of the women who tried them.
Check out these products here:
Breasts
Buttocks & Hips
How can I choose pants to flatter my body shape?
Depending on your body shape keep the following points
in mind when choosing pants:
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For wide hips, choose baggy pants rather than
tapered
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For the full bottom, choose wide-leg pants without
back pockets
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For large thighs, choose wide leg or straight leg
pants rather than tapered
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For shorter legs, choose slim pants and avoid cuffs
(turn-ups) to elongate the legs
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Dark colors are slimming. To direct attention away
from a full bottom choose a light or bright top but
dark pants.
Is it possible to slim body areas without major weight
loss?
Yes, through the use of herbal formulas mentioned
above. Body slimming cream causes the body to reduce
fat through perspiration. No exercise is required.
It basically 'sweats' the fat away by causing the body
to push fat cells out of the body.
Check it out here:
Body Slimming
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