The human body comes in many forms, hence the diversity of
this world. Every individual has their own skeletal structure with different
distribution of fat and muscle dispersed. Until adulthood, this frame is under
construction and change, until finally one arrives at the same shape for the
rest of their life.
There are eight different body types for woman:
- Pear body type: The hips are larger than the
bust and the waist slopes out to the hips. - Straight body type: The bust and hips are
basically the same. The waist is slightly smaller than the bust and hips. - Spoon body type: The hips are larger than the
bust and have a “shelf” appearance. The waist is slightly smaller than the
bust. - Hourglass body type: The waist is well defined
while the bust and hips are basically the same. - Inverted triangle body type: The hips are narrow
and the waist is not very well defined. The bust is large. - Top hourglass body type: The waist is well
defined and the bust is larger than the hips. - Diamond body type: The shoulders are narrow
compared to the hips and breasts are small. The waist is larger than the bust
or hips. - Oval body type: The hips are narrow compared to
the shoulders and the waist is larger than the bust or hips.
Men fit into three body types:
- Ectomorph: These are the type of people that can
eat piles of food and still have a thin frame. They have a lean build with long
limbs. - Mesomorph: They tend to be in the middle of road
and have the best of both worlds. They have wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and
typically look pretty fit. - Endomorph: These people tend to gain weight and
keep it on. They have a wide build and shorter limbs.
It is good idea to understand your body type for your
health. This can be especially true when it comes to diet and exercise and
preparing a strategy that will be best effective for your particular body type.
No one is completely bound to any one type of body shape. Lifestyle, genetics,
history, and training all attribute to body shape. This means that is can be
changed. Everyone has their views of their own body and the reflection they see
in the mirror. Embrace your body type, as it is your own personal build, but
understand that if you want to change what you see, the time, energy, and
effort can be possible to do so.
https://academic.oup.com/her/article/23/5/892/629472
https://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes
Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has an M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, is a current candidate for her Doctorate in Health & Human Performance, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor.
