The Cardio For Your Body Type
Posted on: May 25, 2016Categories: LiveWell 24/7
Whether you are an avid runner, a regular in your gym’s group fitness classes, or a fan of long nightly walks with your dog, it is incredibly beneficial for your health to discover a heart-pounding activity you enjoy enough to engage in regularly. If you have yet to determine which type of cardio works best for your body, here are a few helpful tips from professionals regarding which form of cardio can best benefit your health based on the body type you associate with the most.
If your body develops muscle easily, your chest is broader than your waist, and you typically have a well-defined lower torso, your body is most similar to that of a mesomorph. These individuals are typically capable of more athletic activities but struggle with flexibility and can be more prone to becoming overweight. All cardio should begin and end with gentle stretching after your warm up and cool down, respectively. Aim to incorporate high intensity interval training, or HIIT, into your fitness routine twice a week with two to three lighter cardio workouts on your days in between, such as swimming, biking, or brisk walking.
An ectomorph is a term used to describe bodies that are typically slimmer with long, narrow limbs who is less prone to weight gain. Your body type will most likely benefit from circuit training that fuse strengthening and aerobic activities such as burpees, jumping lunges, and sumo squats. These exercises will help you develop muscle while still providing your body with the necessary heart-health benefits of aerobic exercise.
If your body is most similar to that of an endomorph, you most likely possess hourglass-shaped curves distributing to the lower portion of your body. Endomorphs typically benefit from four to five moderately intense weekly cardio sessions, such as kickboxing or spinning classes. In order to prevent a progress plateau, aim to switch up your aerobic activities regularly rather than running the same distance at the same speed every time you exercise.
While these guidelines can be incredibly beneficial the next time you lace up your sneakers, remember that it is highly unlikely that your body will align completely with just one of these three physical descriptions. If you have specific questions about what type of fitness will benefit your specific, individual health needs, talk to your physician or a trusted personal trainer.
Sources: Health and Style, My Fitness Pal, Bodybuilding, ACE Fitness, Directly Fitness
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