Health and Fitness Help

As a hardgainer, you ought to acknowledge that your genetic capableness for mass growth is not quite on the same level as those lucky, genetically gifted mesomorphs, who can put on muscle  just by thinking about bench pressing! Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but not too far from the truth.

You’re going to have to work out smarter, be more disciplined, and have the perseverance to overcome the genetic shortcoming of the ectomorph body type you’ve been endowed with.

If I’m losing you with all the ecto- meso- “morph” language, then this article should bring you up to speed.

Somatotypes and Body Type Categorization

There are three basic somatotypes, or body types as proposed by Dr. William H. Sheldon back in the 1930′s that are used to sort out humans based on their physical traits and characteristics. It is not a perfect classification system, because even though some individuals fit these descriptions precisely, others will be a assortment of two or more somatotypes(i.e. an ecto-mesomorph.) All the same, it is a great beginning for determining your genetic traits, your capacity for building muscle, and designing a program that maximizes your body’s potential.

Here are the three body types:

- Ectomorphic: characterized by long and thin muscles/limbs and low fat retention; usually referred to as slim.

- Mesomorphic: characterized by large bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waistline.

- Endomorphic: characterized by increased fat storage, a wide waist and a large bone structure.

 

The True Hardgainer

Most individuals that are conceieved to be true hardgainers fall into the ectomorphic category. Since this post is dedicated to helping hardgainers gain their full genetic potential, we will be focusing our attention on this body type specifically.

As an ectomorph, your metabolism is in overdrive, meaning you are rather lean, and thin and experience trouble in gaining weight of any kind (muscle or fat.) You most likely lack significant physical intensiveness and this is obvious because you are also lacking in muscle mass. The extreme ectomorph has a delicate and fragile human body, with a lighter skeletal structure, small wrists and joints. The hardgainer may be slightly taller than the average individual, and thus has longer limbs, which are not advantageous to moving heavy weights. Recovery ability of the body is also more extendedthan mesomorphs and endomorphs.

Common Physical Traits of the Ectomorph:

 - Thin

 - Flat Chest

 - Delicate Build

 - Tall

 - Lightly Muscled

 - Stoop Shouldered

 - Young looking

 - Narrow Bones

 

Common Personality Traits of the Hardgainer:

 - Self-conscious

 - Preference for privacy

 - Introverted

 - Socially Anxious

 - Mentally Intense

 - Emotionally Restrained

 

 As you might have guessed or probably know from experience, all of these characteristics are not favorable in your pursuit to pack on muscle mass, size, and strength.

After considering this, you may wonder if being an hardgainer really has any benefits. Are you lost to being scrawny for the rest of your life? You may also wonder whether you should even bother trying to lift weights to begin with. Maybe you should just stick to endurance sports?

To rapidly answer these questions I say Yes, No, Yes, and NO! Just because you do not have the genetic tendency to become a massive pro-bodybuilder does not mean you cannot pack on slabs of lean muscle mass to your body. You can, although it will require more work, focus, and desire.

In fact, lots of ectomorphs have gone on to make incredible transformations adding 20, 30, 50, even 100+ pounds to their smaller sized frames in a matter of months rather than years. This all depends on your intelligence as a lifter, your desire and passion to make this type of transformation, and your ability to master the principles of gaining muscle.

In short, even as an hardgainer, you can create a classic, muscular physique. Not only that, but there are even some unique benefits to being an ectomorph that you may not have considered.

To Your Success in Training and in Life,

Brandon Cook

————————————– 
About the Author:

Brandon Cook is creator of The Enlightened Warrior Blog, and co-creator of HardgainerMuscleBuilding.com, a website specifically designedto teach the hardgainer the secrets and scientific principles for building a classic, muscular physique.

HargainerMuscleBuilding.com features a free email class covering the basic principles of training naturally, eating a nutritious, muscle-building diet, and understanding the truth about supplements. The website is filled with free articles, videos, and the programs you need to create your ideal body.