HAVE you ever tried the same diet as a friend, but ended up with completely different results?
If you've answered yes, the chances are you both have totally different body types too.
Well, guess what? People come in a variety of shapes and sizes - and it's uniqueness that makes us special.
But it also means that things like diets or fitness regimes might work for one person and not for the other.
Personal trainer and nutritionist Rachael Attard says successful weight loss comes down to knowing our own body shapes.
Generally, we fall in to one of three different types:ectomorph, mesomorph andendomorph.
Rachael says that identifying what shape you are will help you get results, whether it's becoming stronger or shedding the pounds.
She explained: "In a nutshell, endomorph body types are generally shorter and curvier, ectomorph body types are usually tall and slim and mesomorph body types are typically characterised as naturally muscular, with a medium size bone structure, broad shoulders and narrow waists.
"But, unlike body shapes, your body type focuses on how you gain weight and muscle."
Rachael, who has created a quiz to find out what body type you are, said that an ectomorphs generally find it quite difficult to gain weight or muscle but are naturally low in body fat.
Ectomorphs usually look lean and athletic and are usually the envy of their friends as they can eat large amounts of food seemingly without gaining weight.
4
What exercises should an ectomorph do?
Rachael said that ectomorphs should take part in resistance training around three times a week.
"Since ectomorphs find it quite hard to gain muscle and they lose weight easily they should focus on heavy lifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other resistance training workouts."
She said that cardio isn't needed unless you are trying to lose weight - and added that endomorphs should have one rest day a week.
What should ectomorphs eat?
According to Rachael, ectomorphs do better on a high carb diet, she also highlighted that ectomorphs should try and add proteins to every meal.
"Not all carbs are created equal. A few treats here and there are OK.
"But try to avoid sugar and focus on healthy carbs such as fruit, brown rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa and veggies", she added.
Mesomorphs tend to gain muscle easier than others and usually have large bone structures and muscles.
Rachael said people with this body type can often lose and gain weight quickly and often see results from exercise quickly too.
What exercises should a mesomorph do?
Rachael said that mesomorphs should stick to a regular cardio schedule and said weights should be monitored.
"If your goal is to lose weight, stick to body weight or lighter weight (higher rep) workouts.
"High-intensity cardio, such as running on a flat surface and at a steady pace, works best for fat loss. To challenge yourself, make one of your cardio days high intensity", she added.
What should mesomorphs eat?
When it comes to your food, Rachael said mesomorphs should aim for a balance between carbs, proteins, and fats - she said you should try and add these to all of your meals and snacks.
She added that you should watch the calories and focus on whole foods.
"If your body fat is being stubborn or you just need a little kick start, try a low carb and high protein diet for 4 weeks.
"Then switch it back".
According to Rachael, endomorphs can gain muscle very quickly, have great strength and endurance but may find weight loss a little more challenging.
She also said they may have a higher level of body fat.
What exercises should an endomorph do?
Rachael said that endomorphs should run more and should also power walk.
She said you should aim to power walk at least five times a week.
She added that you should also focus on lighter weights.
What should endomorphs eat?
When it comes to what an endomorph should be munching on, Rachael said a low carb diet it best.
LINE 'EM UPMum sparks heated debate about the correct way to hang clothes on the line
DADDY COOLWhy women are going wild for 'dad bods' - like Leonardo DiCaprio and Zac Efron
MYSTIC MEGAugust 21: Love goals youve written off can come back
GET THE CHOPSue Radford takes her bumper brood for haircuts after lockdown
BABY WATCHMum delivers baby in bath with full face of make-up - then shares it on YouTube
INSTA-SHAMAre these the worst Insta fails of all time?
She added that you should also have a diet that is high in fat and proteins.
"Both of them will keep you feeling fuller for longer and will help you burn more calories.
"Think lean meats, oily fish, nuts, seeds and avocado", she added.
Read this article:
Knowing your body type could help you hit your weight loss goals so what shape are you? - The Sun
