Training tips for an Ectomorph body type?

Question

I am a really skinny 17 year old, and I have an ectomorphic body type. What advice can you give me for when I'm working out in the gym?

Thank you

Answer 1

Firstly, accept your small size and enjoy it. It has frustrated me all my life that people think it is rude to call someone fat, but perfectly fine to call someone skinny. Im an ectomorph, and when training in the gym i felt quite compromised about putting on muscle that my body wasnt really designed to carry, (from a weight point of view). I joined classes, spin, tae bo, that kind of thing and found a really good trainer that understood that i wanted to be toned, fit and healthy, but not really drastically change my body shape. fitness being of the most importance, not image. she taught me lots of stuff on the pilates ball, floor exercise to tone and define my tum, etc. im now starting a dance degree in Sept, at 31, because i am fitter now than Ive ever been. Im not saying keep away from weights altogether, but would advise, with your body shape, to use the ball, and learn strength exercise that uses your own body weight. Building a lot of heavy muscle for your heart to support when it isnt natural for you is unhealthy. Also, remember to listen to your body when training, and eat well when you're hungry. Body shapes like ours need to do lots of cardio to be fit, not burn fat, so calorie uptake is essential. Increase your protein intake, and have a protein shake just after you train. this helps build muscle. Kick boxing etc would be good for you. Ive dated heaps of guys who are light, and slender, but are strong and well defined. Trust me, it's no bad thing, lol.

Answer 2

Youz a ghost???? Holy SH@T!

Answer 3

okay so you probs dont wanna take advice from a 15 year old girl...but here goes...

eat, eat, and eat some more. Adding an extra thousand or two calories is not only acceptable, it’s probably encouraged. Five substantial meals a day, favoring the carbohydrates heavily while consuming ample amounts of protein, is the best way to sprout growth into the muscle mass you’re looking for.

When it comes to the weights, do not be stingy. Intensity plus strength equals size, and you should be churning out intensely productive sets, designed to tear up the muscle tissue and spurt new growth.