Body Talk

It ’s not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to a fitness regime. Here’s what you need to know to tailor to your body type.

- Adora Wong

Hitting the gym and pounding the pavements but still can’t get those Bella legs? You might need to tweak what you’re doing to your body type. By that, you have to know all about somatotypes (not tomatos — get your mind off lunch!) which was popularised back in the 1940s.

If it has been this long, how come you’ve never heard of it? Well , according to the theory used in the athletic world, there are three distinct body types — ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph, and each of us fall into at least one of these categories. According to the concept, just as different types of plants require different amounts of water and sunlight to thrive, different body types require different forms of conditioning.

As such, many personal trainers, nutritionists and doctors tailor their programmes with somatotypes in mind, believing it ’s essential to train and eat for your body type in order to experience a significant change.

LISTEN TO YOUR BOD