Interesting article in Health Magazine

[kwormann]

It is on body type and the type of exercise that might be best for you and come easier to you. The body types are endomorph - pear shapes (like me) - frustrating activities include anything involving running and jumping (which makes me feel better and helps explain why I didnt like jogging) - ideal regimen: skating, walking (which I have always loved), swimming cycling, weight lifting

ectomorph - slight builds (sounds like what emilycat has described herself as) - frustrating activities can be anything with sudden bursts of speed or strength - ideal regimen: walk, jog, rowing, swimming, weight lifting

mesomorph - muscluar, athletic, good at almost everything - most frustrating can be endurance activities -ideal regimien includes most aerobic activities, stretching, strength training as needed

I thought the article was good, and it made me feel better about activities I have trouble with (although I still wish I could do them!)

Kim http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Sara Emily]

As an ectomorph, I also found that article interesting. I usually resist most types of quizzes and articles that try to TYPE you into one category or another (personality, for instance), partly because I am usually and equal blend of several of them, and partly because I think some people stay up nights coming up with these things that are very eye catching, but I've got to wonder how much validilty they have! Sometimes, it seems they are even convenient ways to make EXCUSES for ourselves on different fronts.

This one DID seem to make a lot of sense, though, and I "found" myself and friends in it pretty easily. Their assessments seemed to hold true for us. I wonder what others think about this subject.

[kwormann]

It also said you may be a combo if 2 types (although Im just an endomorph, unfortunately!)

I am also interestd in what others think! I just found it interesting to find my athletic style (or lack of it) in there!

Kim

[hka]

This is so funny! I just got this magazine a couple of days ago and that's the only article I've read so far. I thought it was fascinating! Unfortunately, I'm an endomorph!! The good part is I've already been doing the exercises that work best for me which is a good thing. I love to walk and I also do the Elliptical Precor machine which seems to be doing wonders for my thunder thighs! Okay, they're not that bad. It's just that I've never been able to totally slim them down due to various reasons. It's only been in the recent months that I've made good changes in my eating and exercising and I'm losing about a pound a week. Yea!!

[m4star]

I've just read this article too (I've recently subscribed to Health and have been very pleased with it. There are some great recipes this month too!!)

However, I felt totally left out in this article. I am none of those body types! I am your classic apple shape (large busted and tend to put on a little tummy when I am heavy) with very lean/muscular arms and legs. I do enjoy running more than other forms of exercise (and don't like sudden bursts of speed or strength) but I'm not slight in my build. It has me very frustrated to not be one of the groups.

I also remember reading an article like this somewhere else that had 4 classic body types (ruler, cone, spoon and hourglass).

[pmmahan]

Can you be a mix of the three types? I read the article, too, and I didn't seem to fit into one category. I have a pretty slight build, BUT i am a little bigger on the bottom than on the top, BUT I build muscle pretty easily. So which is it??

[kwormann]

Im sure a person could fit into part of all categories! After all, we're not machines! (If we were, Id be an ectomorph!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Kim

[KValley]

m4star and pmmahan- I'm with you! I just read the article at the gym this morning and I think I'm an alien http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif or at least a hybrid of all these. I've got meso-ectomorph upper body (broad shoulders, lean arms), but endomorph breasts; endomorph hips and butt, meso legs. I've got the ecto flexibilty thing going, the endo weight trainng, but I am also muscular and like hard bursts of energy- Spinning, kickboxing. I have never tried/always been intimidated by long distance running, but could power walk or hike for a long long time.

Well, I know I'm not an ecto body type (I think I was for a few months in 1988 http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ), but I after reading this, I think I'm pretty balanced in my physical activities and still happy my endo-meso curves.

[kwormann]

Its great that you are proud of your body...I do pretty well until I go clothes shopping. To get tops to fit over my chest, they are way too big in the back or shoulders; dresses hang like maternity clothing since my tummy is much smaller than my chest, and to get pants to fit over my butt and hips, they are too long (I am 5'1").

The "short" of it....clothes shopping makes me feel fat and depressed!

Kim

[KValley]

Kim, I have to say that last week, while staying in a hotel, I caught my full reflection from behind (the closet had mirrored doors and was directly opposite the mirror over the sink). Now I know when I design my dream house, this is a layout I will completely avoid. I was far from happy with my endo-behind! It is a view I will not seek out in the future http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I am also pretty fearful about gaining weight/not losing it as I set to get pregnant in the next few months; I gain weight pretty easily.

But I think that as I grow older, I am really coming to terms with my body - giving up the notion of being slim and knowing instead that I am built for strength and endurance-and realizing that my body is capable of strength and grace and it can do things I never thought possible, as I was not active in sports as a child.

And I've discovered Land's End on-line. Their clothes fit me!! For the first time in years I am happy with my swim suit (or rather, with my body in a swimsuit)- Land's End all the way!


[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-10-2001).]

[SusanMac]

Pear shapes unite! (I think the official term was endomorph -- a guy must have thought of that term)

I've always been a pear shape, but may be a mix of a few types because my favorite activites are running and step aerobics (which, according to this article, should frustrate me)

I share the same frustration as you all when clothes shopping. Apparently, the clothes industry does not seem to think that women have hips these days (everything is designed straight up and down) I've found that Eddie Bauer does a good job with jeans/pants/shorts for anyone with hips. Thanks for the recommendation on Land's End.

Also -- is anyone on this list into rowing? I'm interested in checking it out, but have never tried it. I have no upper body strength (being a pear, my legs are stronger), but thought this would be a fun way to get into shape up top. Any recommendations? Will I just be frustrated?

[KValley]

You know where else I've been able to find clothes to fit my hips/butt? - Ann Taylor (discount rack, of course). It's true- not for everything, but then I don't wear cigarette pants or pencil skirts. I've found A-line skirts and dress slacks that work well (i'm a size 8-10). Also, I don't buy front-zip pants anymore- only side zip= no bunchy tummy! I like EddieBauer as well, although that's obligatory considering where I live.

SusanMac- I really really enjoy rowing- I've never rowed outside of a machine at the gym but one of my dreams is to find a women's crew team. I think it's a great total body workout. And it's often the only cardio machine where there is never a line up! I find the rhythm very relaxing, although it's a great challenge. Go for it!



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-11-2001).]

[hka]

I just wanted to say thanks to those of you that have posted clothes buying tips. As I stated in an earlier post, I'm the endomorph also and it never fails that when I find a pair of pants to fit my hips, the waist is huge! I'll have to check into Land's End and Eddie Bauer. I've stopped buying pleated type pants and by the flat front kind since, they too, help cut down on the pouchy stomach.

[kwormann]

I agree with Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft...they have great sales and a great petitie section that doesnt look like my grandmother would wear it! After trying to find cheep clothes, DH agreed that my body style just required a better made clothing (read more expensive)!

Kim

[donleyk]

I have been waiting for my free copy of Health to read this article. I still don't have it but I wanted to thank everyone for their comments and clothing tips. It IS very frustrating today to buy clothes if you have hips at all! I already shop EB (aren't those reward points fun!?!?!?) But I think I will check out Land's End. Thanks again.

[SusieO]

What is Ann Taylor Loft? I am a big fan of Ann Taylor when I can afford it (sometimes even the 40% off rack is a little steep). They have beautiful things that last and last.

[kwormann]

Loft is a more casual and less expensive division of ANn Taylor! I LOVE it!

Kim

[SusieO]

Thanks, Kim. I've located one about 20 minutes from my house and I'm headed there this afternoon!

[cindyluwho]

I'm not entirely sure which type best describes me, but I guess it would be mesomorph. As for clothing buying...I would recommend that you check out the Land's end website and enter in your measurements for the "Personal Model". They will then give you tips on what cuts and types of clothing look best on you. When I did this, it told me that because I have larger shoulders and bust, soft draping tops, with V-shaped necklines or collars, and 3/4 length sleeves look best on me. It turns out that this is exactly the sort of clothing that I have! I always wondered why although my sister is slightly shorter than me but about the same size, she looks good in suits but I look ridiculous! It's the shoulder pads. Fortunately, while she was a lawyer and needed to wear suits, I am a biologist and we can wear whatever we want! I did disagree with the website in that I don't like to tuck in my shirts though apparently this is flattering to defined waists, but this may just be a question of style. Also, this was not in the website, but I also noticed that I have a somewhat short torso, so for example swimsuit with high necks tend to look a little better on me. So for those of you out there with short torsos, try high necked swimsuits!

[Julia1Pin]

Originally posted by kwormann:
I do pretty well until I go clothes shopping. To get tops to fit over my chest, they are way too big in the back or shoulders; dresses hang like maternity clothing since my tummy is much smaller than my chest, and to get pants to fit over my butt and hips, they are too long (I am 5'1").

The "short" of it....clothes shopping makes me feel fat and depressed!

Kim


This describes me almost perfectly. I am 5'2", have long legs for my body though, have a 27inch waist, and wear a 32D. So, blouses spread (come apart) in the front and are way baggy in back, I have hips and theighs (which I'm working on to get rid of), and I always have extra material in the waist. Luckily, my DH's(in 2 weeks)mom is amazing at alterations, so after she works on clothes, they fit fine. But I do feel fat when I go and try on clothes.

Stores that are great - Max Studio, BCBG (expensive, but worth it!!!), DKNY, Ann Taylor usually.

[food girl]

Though I haven't read the exact article, I have seen similar ones.

I have fought my endo "southern hemisphere" for years until I started biking. I learned that I have POWER there! I blast up hills by all of my fellow riders who have no idea what I mean when I refer to my "saddlebags".

I feel better to hear that shopping is a pain for everyone! I do love Anne Taylor, but in the huge metropolis of Knoxville they have decided to quit carrying petites!

After much searching I have found a wonderful alterations lady and I find myself buying things that sort-of fit because I know that she can fix them - cheap too!

A toast to all of our funny shapes and sizes!!

Lisa

[kwormann]

Cheers to you, too Lisa and all of you. This has been a great experience for me. ALthough Im not huge by any stretch, I am the biggest of all my close friends and I feel constant need to explain that part of my look is genetic and I could starve and still be round. I feel I can be myself with all of you! Here's to you!

Kim

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