Body Type Quiz: Answer These 10 Questions to Find out Your Body Type

A body type refers to the general shape and structure of a person’s body based on their genetic makeup (1). While everyone is unique in their own way, there are certain physical traits that can be used to classify individuals into three main body types (2).

Ectomorphs tend to have a smaller frame with long limbs and lean muscles. They generally have a fast metabolism and find it difficult to gain weight or muscle.

Mesomorphs have a more athletic build with broader shoulders, defined muscles, and a higher metabolism. They tend to be naturally strong and find it easy to maintain a lean and muscular physique.

Endomorphs typically have a rounder body shape with a larger bone structure. They often struggle with weight gain and have a slower metabolism.

It’s possible to have the characteristics of more than one body type, but most people fall into one dominant category. Knowing your body type can help you understand how to best approach exercise and nutrition in order to achieve your fitness goals.

Take this short quiz to determine which body type you most closely identify with.

Body Type Quiz

Question 1:

What is the shape of your body when you look in the mirror?

• A) I appear long and slender
• B) I notice a well-defined, muscular physique
• C) I see a softer, rounder shape

Question 2:

How do you tend to store fat?

• A) Mostly around my thighs and upper arms
• B) Evenly distributed throughout my body
• C) Around my midsection in the hips and abdomen 

Question 3:

Which statement best describes your shoulders?

• A) My shoulders are narrower than my hips
• B) My shoulders are broader than my hips
• C) My shoulders are in line with my hips

Question 4:

What happens when you gain weight?

• A) I struggle to gain weight
• B) I gain weight easily and can also lose it quite easily
• C) I gain weight easily but find losing weight difficult

Question 5:

How would you describe your waistline?

• A) My waistline is not very defined
• B) My waistline is well-defined and smaller than my hips
• C) My waistline is defined but similar in width to my hips

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Question 7:

How do you feel about gaining muscle?

• A) I struggle to build muscle
• B) I gain muscle easily and have a toned appearance
• C) I can build muscle, but I need to be careful about gaining bulk

Question 8:

From which area do you find it hardest to lose weight?

• A) Arms and legs
• B) Abdomen and chest
• C) Hips and lower abdomen

Question 9:

How do you respond to strength training?

• A) I find it challenging to build muscle
• B) I respond well and see defined muscles quickly
• C) I can build muscle, but I need to balance it with cardio

Question 10:

What is your overall energy level like?

• A) High energy, find it difficult to relax
• B) Moderately high energy, enjoy physical activities
• C) Steady energy, prefer low-impact exercises

Results

• Mostly As: You exhibit traits of an Ectomorph, characterized by a lean and linear physique and find it difficult to gain muscle or fat.
• Mostly Bs: Your characteristics are aligned with a Mesomorph body type, which is known for a muscular build that responds well to exercise and gains muscle relatively easily.
• Mostly Cs: Your body type reflects an Endomorph, characterized by a softer, rounder shape that tends to store fat more easily and you find losing weight challenging.

Read More: Endomorph Intermittent Fasting: How It Works

What Are the 3 Body Types?

Now that you’ve completed the quiz and discovered your body type, let’s take a closer look at each one (2).

Ectomorph

As previously mentioned, ectomorphs tend to have a smaller frame with long limbs and lean muscles. They’re often described as having a “skinny” or “slender” physique.

Strengths:

• Fast metabolism
• Can eat more without gaining weight
• Lean muscle definition, even without exercise

Weaknesses:

• Difficulty gaining weight or muscle
• May appear too thin or frail
• Prone to fatigue due to high metabolism and low body fat

Mesomorph

Mesomorphs are known for their athletic build, with broader shoulders and well-defined muscles. They’re often praised for having a naturally strong and fit appearance.

Strengths:

• Fast metabolism
• Tend to gain muscle easily
• Can maintain a lean and muscular physique with regular exercise

Weaknesses:

• May struggle to lose weight if not active or following proper nutrition
• Can become bulky if not following a balanced strength training regimen

Endomorph

Endomorphs typically have a rounder body shape with larger bone structures. They may find it more challenging to lose weight and they have a slower metabolism.

Strengths:

• Can appear softer and more curvaceous
• Greater muscle potential when following a proper exercise program
• Better endurance for physical activities due to higher body fat levels

Weaknesses:

• Tend to gain weight easily, particularly in the midsection
• May struggle to lose weight or maintain a lean physique

How Do I Know My Body Shape?

Taking a body type quiz is one way to determine your body shape, but there are also other ways. Here are some tips to help you identify your body type:

1. Look at yourself in the mirror: Stand in front of the mirror and take note of your overall shape, muscle definition, and where you tend to store fat.
2. Take measurements: Measure your shoulders, bust/chest, waist, hips, and thighs, and then compare them to each other to see which areas are wider or narrower than others.
3. Consider your lifestyle and habits: Your daily activities and eating habits can also be indicators of your body type. For example, if you struggle to gain weight, even with a high-calorie diet, you may be an ectomorph.
4. Seek professional help: If you’re still unsure about your body type, you should consider consulting a health or fitness professional who can assess your body composition and provide personalized advice.

Knowing your body type is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to fitness and nutrition. It can help guide you to create a workout plan and choose the right foods for your specific needs. 

Remember that it’s possible to have more than one body type, and your body can change over time with lifestyle changes.

Our previous blog, Can You Lose Weight by Dancing in Your Room? details key information on how to use dance to support your weight loss and maintenance goals.

How to Eat and Exercise for Your Body Type

Eating and exercising according to your body type can significantly enhance your overall health and fitness levels (3) (4). 

Each body type—ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph—has unique characteristics that respond differently to diet and exercise. Understanding these differences will allow for a more tailored, effective approach to achieving fitness goals.

Ectomorphs thrive on a higher-calorie, nutrient-dense diet due to their fast metabolism. They often need to focus on calorie intake, making sure to consume more food to support energy needs and muscle growth.

Ectomorph Diet Composition

• Carbohydrates: Ectomorphs benefit from a higher carbohydrate intake, as they provide the energy that is necessary for daily activities and workouts. Opt for complex carbs such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
• Proteins: Regular, high-quality protein intake supports muscle repair and growth. Sources include lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plant-based options such as beans and tofu.
• Fats: Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are essential for hormone production and overall health.

Ectomorphs need exercises that build muscle mass without over-exhausting their already high metabolism. They should focus on strength training more than cardio.

Read More: Ectomorph Diet: A Foolproof Way To Outwit Your Genes

Ectomorph  Exercise Routine

• Strength Training: Emphasize compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to stimulate multiple muscle groups. Lift heavy with lower reps for significant muscle gains.
• Cardio: Limit to light cardio, just enough to maintain cardiovascular health without excessive calorie burn. Activities such as brisk walking or light cycling are ideal.

Mesomorphs often maintain their physique with a balanced diet, focusing on diversity and moderation. Their dietary needs include a mix of macronutrients to support muscle maintenance and fat loss.

Mesomorph Diet Composition

• Carbohydrates: Moderate carbohydrate intake focusing on complex carbs that provide sustained energy. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all excellent choices.
• Proteins: Adequate protein intake to support muscle synthesis. Include both animal and plant-based proteins to ensure a broad range of nutrients.
• Fats: Balance unsaturated fats with a smaller portion of saturated fats, including sources such as fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Mesomorphs respond well to a mixed regimen of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. They can incorporate various types of workouts to avoid plateaus and maintain a balanced physique.

Mesomorph Exercise Routine

• Strength Training: Combine heavy lifting with moderate reps and weights. Include weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and functional training.
• Cardio: Mix high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate, steady-state cardio to enhance cardiovascular health and maintain lean body mass.

Endomorphs may benefit from a diet that is lower in carbohydrates and higher in proteins and fats to help manage their slower metabolism and higher propensity for fat storage.

Read More: Mesomorph Diet Female: How To Eat And Work Out According To Your Body Type

Endomorph Diet Composition

• Carbohydrates: Focus on low-glycemic index foods to manage blood sugar levels. Choose non-starchy vegetables, berries, and legumes.
• Proteins: Increased protein intake promotes satiety and muscle retention. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins.
• Fats: Focus on healthy fats from sources such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to support overall health and energy balance.

Endomorphs benefit from a combination of cardio and strength training to boost their metabolism and promote fat loss while preserving muscle.

Endomorph Exercise Routine:

• Strength Training: Incorporate both resistance exercises and functional training. Focus on high reps and moderate weight to build endurance and muscle definition.
• Cardio: Prioritize regular, steady-state cardio such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, and include HIIT sessions to maximize fat burning.

Explore interesting insights on eating clean foods and weight in our previous blog post, Eating Too Much Healthy Food.

FAQs

• Can endomorphs be skinny?

Endomorphs typically have a slower metabolism and a higher propensity for fat storage, which makes maintaining a lean physique more challenging. However, with proper nutrition and regular exercise, it’s possible for endomorphs to achieve a healthier weight and body composition.

• Are ectomorphs tall?

Ectomorphs tend to have a lean, linear body type and are often taller than other body types. However, height is determined by genetics more than body type (5), and ectomorphs can vary in height just like any other body type.

• Should mesomorphs avoid cardio?

No, mesomorphs shouldn’t avoid cardio entirely. Regular cardiovascular exercise is essential for overall health and can also enhance weight loss and muscle definition when combined with strength training (6).

Find more information on Compound Exercises for Weight Loss in our previous blog. 

• Can an endomorph be tall?

An endomorph can be any height, as body type doesn’t determine height. However, endomorphs may have a stockier build and carry more weight in their lower body, giving the appearance of being shorter.

• Can ectomorphs build muscle?

Yes, ectomorphs can build muscle with proper nutrition and consistent strength training. They may need to focus on consuming more calories and incorporating progressive overload techniques into their workouts in order to see significant muscle gains. 

• Which body type is best for females?

There’s no one “best” body type for females. All body types have their unique strengths and challenges and what may be considered ideal can vary greatly based on personal preferences and cultural standards. It’s essential to focus on overall health and well-being, rather than striving for a specific body type. 

The Bottom Line

Taking a body type quiz can be helpful for understanding your natural build and tailoring your diet and exercise routine accordingly. However, it’s important to remember that body type doesn’t determine your worth or potential to achieve health and fitness goals. 

With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive mindset, anyone can achieve their desired level of health and wellness, regardless of body type. Remember to focus on what makes you feel strong, confident, and healthy rather than trying to fit into a specific body type mold.