Vol: 7 - Skillful aging newsletter
I hope this finds you well!
As we discussed last week, the human body comes in all shapes and sizes.
These shapes are generally organized into three main "Body types" or somatotype. [1]
The body types include:
1) Endomorphic - This body type is characterized by stocky bone structure and being bigger overall with a propensity to carry weight at the midsection. Endomorphs can generally gain weight easily, both from body fat AND muscle. Weight loss for this body type is slow and requires significant effort. Think: football lineman
2) Mesomorphic - This body type is characterized by medium structure with shoulders being larger than hips. Mesomorphs can gain AND lose weight fairly quickly, both from body fat and muscle. Think: gymnast
3) Ectomorphic - This body type is lighter in structure. Narrower shoulders and less body fat and less muscle. Ectomorphs generally have a hard time putting weight on, either body fat OR muscle. Think: Ballerina
These "types" are basically the end and middle points of a spectrum. There are many shades of gray in between. You are likely somewhere in between one of the strict types. The body type you have is basically determined by your genetics. And every body type can achieve optimal health and wellness. They will just look different from each other.
Optimal health is supported when one's body composition is in alignment with their respective body type.
If an endomorph (stocky structure) is at a very low body fat percentage (lean) their body composition would not be aligned with their body type. And vice versa, if an ectomorph (light structure) is trying to carry massive amounts of muscle that person would also be out of alignment with their body type. Because body type is informed by your genetics, being out of alignment will make the task of achieving optimal health much much harder. So: In order to optimize your health, it is important to be working with your genetics, not against them.
As an example of working with your genetics as opposed to against them; I have a long-time client who is a classic endomorph, so she is a little heavier and has a little more rounded physique. When we started working together she said that she was perfectly okay with her body but wanted to exercise to be healthy (not lose weight). This may have come as a surprise to some trainers because it would have been easy to assume she wanted to lose weight because she was heavy. However, because she knew that she was naturally going to carry some extra weight due to her body type, her goals were in alignment with her genetics. (Of course, as we discussed a few weeks ago, it is important to get regular health screenings to help ensure you are as healthy as possible regardless of your body type.)
This body type classification, and how you fit in, is useful to know because you can then identify which exercise, nutrition and recovery practices will work best for you, and then leverage them so you can reach optimal health and wellness.
Choose your own health adventure! Yay... homework! (encore edition)*do 1 or all 3
1) Get outside and have some fun moving your body!
2) Eat some tasty, whole foods. Savor every bite!
3) Get some well deserved rest!
Because this week's newsletter was more informational than actionable, the homework from last week still applies, just pick 3 different activities.As always, if you have questions or thoughts please get in touch: george@zoeticcoaching.com
Your wellness is important to me!Have a great weekend!
Be well, George
[1] https://blog.nasm.org/fitness/body-types-how-to-train-diet-for-your-body-type
