Introduction: Are you tired of being told you can’t achieve your fitness goals because of your body type? The truth is body types are just a myth. No scientific data supports the idea that your physique determines your ability to build muscle or lose weight. Keep reading to find out why the idea of body types is a convenient myth that everyone from personal trainers to supplement companies use to their advantage.
What are Body Types and Why are they a Myth?
Based on external traits like weight, height, and body composition, every person on Earth could be classified into one of the three following body types:
– Ectomorphs. They are characterized as tall and thin. They have long limbs, little muscle mass, little fat mass, and possess poor motor skills. Ectomorphs are supposed to be weak and not suitable for strength-based activities.
– Mesomorphs. They are muscular, strong, and lean. Mesomorphs are natural athletes, so they excel at most sports, particularly power-based activities such as team sports and weightlifting.
– Endomorphs. They are short and strong but carry more body fat. Endomorphs will excel at powerlifting and some positions within American football and rugby.
This classification leads to certain conclusions about someone’s physique.
For example, you might train hard and eat healthily, but you will always have a high body fat percentage if you are classified as an endomorph. That’s why you can’t get that six-pack you are dreaming of.
Or, if you are lucky enough to be a mesomorph, you could be eating junk and still looking athletic and muscular. We all have a friend like that.
Now you may wonder what happens if you are tall and muscular or short and skinny. What classification matches you in that case?
Well, the body type believers have an answer: You could be an ecto-mesomorph or an endo-ectomorph, respectively.
So, basically, by combining the body types, you can describe everyone’s appearance on the planet.
The Truth About Building Muscle and Losing Weight
1. According to science, there is no such thing as body type. Of course, genetic and environmental factors affect everyone’s anthropometric features. But in a completely random way. There aren’t any trends in specific patterns that combine weight, height, and body composition.
2. If you are in a caloric surplus, you will gain weight. If you are in a caloric deficit, you will lose weight. We might not like it, but we can’t change it. It’s a fundamental law of thermodynamics. Your anthropometric characteristics won’t make it easier or harder to happen.
3. Our body responds to environmental stimuli. If you work out regularly, your body will adapt to make it easier for you. You will become stronger and more muscular regardless of being short, tall, or skinny.
4. Our appearance constantly changes as we age and according to our habits. Think about it. If you are tall and lean, you are classified as an ectomorph. What happens if you start eating like a beast and gain weight? Now you are classified as an endomorph. What happens if you were an endomorph and you managed to lose weight and gain muscle? You’re no more an endomorph. Now you are an ectomorph! We could do this forever.
There is no scientific data behind this theory. It’s just a myth.
Why Body Types are a Convenient Myth for Everyone
If it’s a myth, why is it mentioned by so many websites, personal trainers, and influencers?
Well, it’s a convenient myth. For everyone.
1. You have an excuse. Most people out there are not willing to face the truth. If you want to lose weight, you have to eat accordingly. If you want to be strong and athletic, you have to train. There is no other way. We might not be able to affect our height and limb length, but we are responsible for our weight, muscle, and body fat levels. If you don’t like this responsibility, it’s convenient to blame genetics. Body types are the perfect excuse.
2. Your trainer has an excuse. They won’t have to tell you the truth about why you didn’t reach the results you desire. It’s not your fault, and it’s not their fault, either. It’s your body type.
3. Fitness websites reproduce a well-known myth. They are taking advantage of the popularity of this myth. If you are stuck, you’d likely google ‘’Why I can’t lose weight’’ or ‘’Why Some People Have an Easier Time Building Muscle’’. Fitness bloggers and influencers are not necessarily in a position to know how human physiology works. And if they are, they are unwilling to search the scientific literature to debunk a myth, as it is time-consuming work to do. It’s easier to reproduce it, giving you what you want to hear: It’s not your fault; it’s your body type!
4. Nutritionists, personal trainers, and supplements companies want to sell. Many well-known fitness influencers are promoting diets, workouts, and supplements specifically designed for your body type. They use the myth to explain why you are struggling to see results based on ‘’scientific’’ knowledge. Then they offer a solution that sounds more suitable for your body type and not just everyone. That way, they make their product feel more tailor-made to your needs, making it easier for you to buy.
The Take-Home Message: Body Types Are a Fitness Myth
That said, the take-home message is this: There is no scientific data behind this theory. Any trainer/nutritionist/influencer who claims you should eat and train based on your body type or somatotype is a scam or an idiot—that simple.
I hope we helped to make clear that body types are a huge fitness myth. If you have any questions on the subject, please leave a comment. Or just let me know what your body type is!
If you want a tailor-made fitness plan that will save you time and get you in shape faster, let us know, and we’ll get it done.
We know it’s hard to get in shape when you have a busy life. At Physical, we design a plan that works around your schedule so you can stay healthy and get your dream body faster.
Click the Subscribe Button below and meet your coach.
FAQs:
Q: What are the three body types?
A: The three body types are ectomorphs, mesomorphs, and endomorphs.
Q: Is there any scientific data behind the body type theory?
A: No, there is no scientific data behind the theory of body types. The idea that your physique is predetermined by your genetics is just a myth.
Q: Why do people believe in body types?
A: People believe in body types because it’s a convenient myth. It gives them an excuse for not achieving their fitness goals and allows trainers, nutritionists, and supplement companies to sell products specifically tailored to each body type.
Q: How does the myth of body types affect the fitness industry?
A: The myth of body types affects the fitness industry by allowing trainers, nutritionists, and supplement companies to sell products specifically tailored to each body type. This makes it easier for them to market their products and increase their sales.
Q: So, what should I do instead of training and eating according to my body type?
A: Instead of training and eating according to your body type, focus on your fitness goals and tailor your training and nutrition to achieve them. Remember, your body responds to environmental stimuli, and with regular exercise and proper nutrition, you can achieve your fitness goals regardless of your body type.