Body Type Quiz

This Simple Body Type Quiz Will Help You Determine Your Somatotype

Any extra weight that you carry can put additional strain on your heart and muscles. And some people find it really tough to shed the extra pounds no matter how hard they exercise.

So, why is it that some people seem to have such luck with sculpting the body they want? And others have no success no matter how hard they try?

The reason lies in a poor understanding of somatotypes, or body types.

This body type quiz will help you discover your body type and how to best take care of it.

Body Type Quiz Q & A YOU HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT A HEALTHY PLATE OF FOOD LOOKS LIKE AND WHAT A DECENT EXERCISE PROGRAM IS FOR YOU. —JON BUTCHER, AUTHOR OF MINDVALLEY’S LIFEBOOK PROGRAM The first thing to know before you begin the body type quiz is that there are three primary somatotypes. But most people are a combination of at least two types.

The three somatotypes are endomorph, ectomorph and mesomorph.

Endomorphs have shorter, wider frames with powerful legs and narrow shoulders.

Ectomorphs are tall and slender with long, lean limbs.

Mesomorphs have proportional hip-to-shoulder ratios with an even distribution of muscle and fat.

Where do you fall between the three somatotypes? Ask yourself the following:

1. What is your gender?

Gender is important because it may help you determine your ideal fitness routine.

For example, male mesomorphs (people with an athletic physique) might want to build muscle and utilize weightlifting workouts. But female mesos may benefit from high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

2. What is your shoulder to hip ratio?

The answer to this question is one of the primary distinctions between the different somatotypes (body types).

Endomorphs usually have much broader hips than shoulders, resulting in a pear-shaped look. Mesomorphs tend to have wider shoulders than hips, especially for males. Ectomorphs tend to have proportional hip to shoulder ratios.

3. How does your waist compare to hips and shoulders?

Women with an hourglass figure (read: a waist that’s significantly smaller than the hips and shoulders) and men with broad shoulders and a narrow waist are likely in the mesomorph category.

In comparison, ectomorphs often have the same hip, shoulders, and waist. By comparison, endomorphs struggle with a larger waist and narrow shoulders.

4. Where do you store excess weight?

Mesomorphs tend to gain and lose weight in an even distribution across their bodies.

Endomorphs store weight in their thighs and hips. Ectomorphs don’t store much excess weight at all.

5. What’s your fitness challenge?

Endomorphs are often burdened by thick legs and arms. It’s easy to build muscle but tough to lose fat.

On the other hand, ectomorphs inherently have low muscle mass and need to work hard to increase it. For ectos, weight training is the way to go.

6. What does your body look like?

This has to do with general appearance. Long and narrow figures are associated with ectomorphs while endomorphs usually have softer, rounder bodies.

If your body seems rugged and has a square or triangular shape, you are likely a mesomorph.

7. What’s your wrist size?

Encircle your wrist with the middle finger and thumb of your other hand.

If the fingers overlap, you’re probably an ectomorph.

If your fingers just touch, you’re likely a mesomorph.

And if your fingers don’t touch at all, you’ve probably got some endomorph in your gene pool.

Like the jeans test, this is not an exact science but another quick test for identifying your body type.

The Final Question

Congratulations, you’ve just completed the body type quiz. And you probably realize that your body displays the characteristics of at least two body types.

With this knowledge in mind, you can look for a workout routine that hits all the problematic areas of your body. And don’t forget to be mindful of your diet, because it’s both diet and exercise that contribute to your overall wellbeing and appearance.