Do you know your body type?

To effectively set your health and fitness goal in motion, it is wise to start off by identifying your body type and the type of training which best suits you, advised coach Nelson Midzi.

Midzi, a fitness trainer, gymnastics coach and owner of Totsgames and Gymnastics in Midrand gave some tips.

There are three main categories of body types:

•  Ectomorphs are people who have a quicker digestive system, they do not gain weight or muscle mass easily, and they have little or no visible fat. This group of people may be referred to as hard-gainers. To achieve the best results out of their training they should focus more on resistance training and strength building exercises and eat good or healthy fats, proteins (which are body building foods) and moderate carbohydrates.
•  Mesomorphs find it easy to lose fat and gain muscle mass and mostly have a muscular and well-built structure. Their genetic makeup suits strength and power, hence they excel in explosive sports. To get the best results out of their training they should focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and plyometrics (jumping from a low surface to a high one repeatedly) and may also take up yoga or pilates. They should eat good or healthy fats moderately and take carbohydrates and protein-based foods.
• Endomorphs are commonly known by their curvy, soft and fuller figures. They don’t find it easy to lose a few kilos because their digestive system is very slow, which makes it easy for them to put on more weight. If you are in this category, you need to make a choice and effort to make exercise part of their daily routine. Focus on high-intensity interval training with moderate weight and endurance training. Eat good or healthy fats, proteins, dietary fibre [to speed up digestive systems] and limit your carbohydrate intake as they contribute to the storage of fat in your body.