Your body shape type has a lot to do with genetics, diet and activity level .The UCLA Student Nutrition Action Committee notes that in general, three body types discern how you lose and gain weight. Ectomorphs maintain a tall and thin physique, ideal for sports. Most often, ectomorphs manifest as "ruler" body shapes with little curves. Mesomorphs are shorter and stockier, with good muscle tone and they usually are hourglass-shaped. Endomorphs typically carry weight in their midsections and have trouble losing it. Knowing what body shape you are can help you tailor a diet and exercise routine that will be the most effective for you personally.
Step 1
Measure your bust or chest, your waist across your belly button, and your hips across the hip bone. Write down all of your measurements to use for calculations. Make sure that when you measure, the tape lays flat on your body and is parallel to the ground for the most correct results.
Step 2
Read your results. If there is less than a two inch difference between your chest, waist and hips, you are an ectomorph ruler shape. Rulers have a straight up and down appearance. It is typically easier for you to lose weight and maintain a slim physique, but you may struggle to get curves or muscle. Focus on toning the butt, hips and thighs for better curves and muscle tone.
Step 3
Look for a six inch difference between your hip and waist measurements and your chest and waist measurements, with the waist measurement being the smaller number. This means that you have an hourglass shape, says Bella Online. A shape in the mesomorph family, it's a desirable and balanced shape to have. You may struggle with larger hips, so concentrate on healthy cardio to burn away excess fat.
Step 4
Decide whether your hip measurements are larger than both your chest and waist measurements. This means you're a pear shape, an endomorph shape. Pear shapes carry the majority of their weight in the hip, thigh and butt area, and it can sometimes be stubborn to remove. Pairing cardio with thigh and hip-stretch training like squats and lunges can help you see better results.
Step 5
Read your measurements. If your waist is larger than your hip and chest measurements, you're an apple shape, which is another endomorph body type. Apple shapes have rounder tummies. A study performed by the University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism found that those who carry weight in their midsections are more prone to heart disease. But by having a healthy diet and exercising, you can remove abdominal fat and reduce your risk.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Paper
- Pencil
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