Each human being is different, both for their personality, their physical form, and much more. Regarding the physical and morphological part, we usually talk about 3 types of existing bodies, being essential to know what type of body we have to have adequate training.
Therefore, if you want to obtain information about it, below you will learn what are the body biotypes, the somatotype, and the different types of human bodies that exist.
Body biotypes
As such, a biotype refers to the typical biological form of a plant or animal. Thus, in human beings, the biotype is related to the morphology of each individual. The shape of a person’s body can be defined by genes from birth, however, it can be altered due to physical exercise and diet.
To determine which biotype we belong to, it is necessary to pay attention to multiple factors, such as body texture, that is, muscle mass and bone constitution; as well as the areas in which the body accumulates more fat, the metabolism of this and other aspects.
It should be noted that, although there is usually a predominance of one biotype, it does not belong to a single body type, since generally there are characteristics of two biotypes.
Depending on the biotype to which we belong, we will have to dedicate our training to a specific activity and take care of our diet in a specific way, while maintaining a balance.
Biotype and somatotype are the same?
Although the terms biotype and somatotype are often used synonymously, we could say that the biotype refers exclusively to the body shape, while the somatotype encompasses the morphology, personality, and temperament of the individual.
Who developed the concept of somatotypes was William Herbert Sheldon in 1940, however, Ernst Kretschmer had already tried before to relate the temperament of people with their morphology.
It should be noted that, although somatotypes are widely used, they have received multiple criticisms for linking morphology with psychological aspects.
Types of body biotypes
Now, among the main body biotypes, there are three types, the ectomorph, the mesomorph, and the endomorph, which you have probably already heard or read somewhere. However, as mentioned before, it is difficult to find people who only have one biotype, since they normally have traits and qualities of two types of bodies.
Ectomorph biotype
First, the ectomorphic bodies, which are characterized by a thin complexion. Those who have this type of body tend to be underweight, tend to be tall, and have long limbs. The metabolism of ectomorphs is accelerated, due to this, they can eat large amounts without changing their weight, in fact, it is difficult for them to accumulate fat and gain muscle mass.
Although they are tall, their bone structure is light, also, they have small shoulders and a flat chest. The recommended training for this type of body is strength (weight lifting), little cardio (a maximum of 20 minutes), and a diet rich in complex carbohydrates.
According to Sheldon’s somatotypes, ectomorphic individuals are emotionally sensitive, tend to have emotional problems, have excellent ability to concentrate, exhibit mood swings, and are generally shy.
Mesomorphic biotype
As for people with the mesomorphic biotype, they present a more balanced morphology, having an athletic complexion. To quickly identify this type of body, we can see the ‘V’ shape in men or the ‘hourglass’ shape in women. They are usually strong people with a regular metabolism and ease for workouts.
Thanks to their metabolism and athletic predisposition, mesomorphs can gain fat and muscle very easily, as well as stay fit. Even so, it is important to monitor the calories they contribute to the body, as they could accumulate fat. The most recommended training for this biotype is weights and cardio.
According to somatotypes, people with a mesomorphic body tend to be competitive, they like challenges and new adventures, they are energetic, not very empathetic, and they have trouble concentrating.
Endomorphic biotype
Finally, the endomorphic biotype is characterized by being a rather rounded, soft, thick body with short limbs. They are robust people with a slow metabolism, which makes it difficult for them to lose fat, because instead, they accumulate it very easily, even so, they can also easily gain muscle mass.
The weight of endomorphs is usually above the healthy weight, so there is a tendency to be overweight.
Those who have this type of body must take care of the consumption of calories and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. As for the most appropriate training for this biotype, cardio exercises are especially recommended.
According to the somatotype, these people have a facility for relating to others, they are usually friendly, funny, and polite. Also, endomorphs can communicate their feelings effectively, love food, and make excellent friends.
Combined biotypes
Knowing the three main types of bodies, we can find the nuances between the different biotypes, which would be the endomesomorphs and the ectomesomorphs.
On the one hand, in the first case, these individuals tend to have an athletic complexion with a tendency to be overweight, while ectomorphs have a defined appearance, but it is difficult for them to gain muscle mass. In the cases of obese or extremely thin people, we would find pure biotypes.
Conclusion
Biotypes allow us to distinguish in a practical way existing body types to identify what type of training and diet a person requires to stay in shape. For their part, somatotypes relate to the morphology of an individual with her temperament and personality, which has been criticized by many since the development of the concept.
Even so, biotypes are useful to get a general idea of the physical and nutritional needs of each body type, greatly facilitating the selection of a suitable training plan and diet.
