Depending upon your genetics, as well as your exercise routine and diet, your body shape may be quite different from those around you. Not everyone likes the body type or shape that they are born with, but there are ways to make the most of what you have. Here are some tips on how to identify your body type and shape as well as how to sculpt it with the best possible exercises.
There are six basic body types:
- 8 frame or hourglass
- A frame
- H frame
- V frame
- Ruler
- Oval/Apple
Each body frame carries weight differently and, therefore will pose different exercise challenges to the individual.The 8 frame is considered the perfect body shape. It is often called the hourglass figure. For those of you lucky enough to have this naturally proportionate shape blessed with chest and hips of the same size and a waist ten inches smaller, your job is easy. You can perform any type of cardio which means you can vary your work out to keep from being bored. You should still include a regiment of resistance training at least twice weekly. Work all of the muscles of the body between the two days. If you are 8 frame or an Hourglass If you are have an hourglass figure, then you should be focusing on both cardio and resistance exercises. Cardio will assist in keeping your weight in check, while resistance exercises will help to maintain balance between your upper and lower body. Vary your repetitions and keep your resistance weights light so as not to build too much muscle mass. Here are some great exercises that you may want to try:
- slow jogging
- stationary biking (with light resistance)
- jumping jacks
- swimming
- bicep curls, shoulder press, and squats
The A body shape is not quite as lucky as the 8 frame. This body type is thinner on the upper body and carries most of the body weight in the hips, thighs, and butt. This body shape wants to avoid doing cardio exercises that will increase the muscle size of the lower body. This means the stair climber is out unless you want to increase the spoon like figure proportions. Stick with the elliptical or the treadmill without an incline. Resistance training should target the upper body to even out the body shape. The bigger you make the upper body muscles, the smaller the lower body will appear.If you are a A body type
If you are a A you will want to focus on exercises that will balance out the top half of your body with the bottom half of your body. You will also want to try to thin down your lower half. To achieve this, focus on aerobic activities that work out your lower body, and resistance exercises that will build your upper body. Use light weights and perform high repetitions of exercises. Some great activities include:
- walking
- cycling (with low resistance)
- elliptical training
- jumping rope
- leg lifts and dips
- push ups, chin ups, and shoulder press
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