We all have certain "target areas" of our physique that we would like to change or manipulate or tweak just a little. Have you been so dedicated to your exercise program to change that certain body area but had seen little to no results? I have witnessed so many individuals like myself and you that have been so frustrated and have gone as far as to quitting that exercise program all together! I am telling you now, please don't give up! Please! Let us discover why this may have happened. Did you know what body type you were? Or that genetics play an important role?

There are three classifications of body types:

Mesomorphic is an all around muscular or athletic body type.

Ectomorphic is a slender, linear body type

Endomorphic is the larger or round body type.

Our genetic coding is the particular DNA we were blessed with from our family. Now let us take some notes. Are you short or tall? Do you have a small, medium, or large skeletal frame? To check this take your index finger and thumb and wrap it around your dominant wrist. Do you have short or long arms? Do you have lean or muscular legs? Do you have a long or short torso? Look at every detail of your body's structure.

Now throughout your adolescent or young adult life, from the classifications noted above, what body type were you? Do you feel like your body structure has changed from then to now? There are many factors that will explain the changes. Have you had any medical issues? Thyroid or hormone unbalances? Have you had lack of physical activity or poor nutritional habits?

Have we written all the information about our body structure, type and genes? Good! Before we continue I would like to share a couple of stories with you that may help you discover more about body types and genetics.

I remember hearing this story, and it has been a while ago, but there was a male bodybuilder getting ready for a worldwide competition. He dedicated most or all of his time and months at the gym. He adjusted his calorie intake, strict foods, number of supplements and extreme weight training. Out of countless hours of training he simply could not develop his calf muscles. His genetic coding prevented him from building those extremely large, muscular calf muscles. In the end, after trying every avenue, he ended up having implants surgically inserted before the competition. So you see that out of countless hours and months, even a bodybuilder can not manipulate his genetics and body type.

Several years ago before I had the knowledge of genetic coding and body types, I made every effort, just like the bodybuilder, to manipulate my body structure and size. Not only did I never get the results I wanted, but all my attempts were unhealthy and extremely dangerous to my health and could possibly haunt me in the near future.

I hope from the story of the bodybuilder and my personal story will help you better understand your body type, structure and genes. Please keep in mind that we can change most of our physical attributes, but we can also change the way that we perceive ourselves. The most important factor to remember before talking with your doctor or participating in an exercise program is: self-affirmation. Be very proud of your body type and thankful for your unique genetic coding. Everyone is special in everyway. Gaining the knowledge and tools will empower you to show off your unique personality, style and physique! Without being true to ourselves and not accepting our true uniqueness we will run into unhealthy and dangerous habits and a lot of frustration!

Empowering Minds with the knowledge, tools and training for your complete wellness!

Lynette; CFT, FT, CLFC, FNC

My Exercise Coach