Finding Your Body Type
January 31, 2007 9:44 PM | Your Body | Comments (0)
 | There is so much information about working out and fitness, it can leave your head spinning. Most articles assume women only want to lose weight. Many women follow the advice, lose weight, and still don’t look their best. It’s easy to end up feeling disappointed because losing weight is not always the only solution. In order to turn heads, you’ll need to focus on shaping the body as a whole. You will need to determine your body type. This calls for a moment of truth for many of us. The best way to do this is to stand in the mirror facing forward. Make sure you have on minimal clothing. Take your shoulder, chest, waist and hip measurements. |
Although all women’s bodies are variations of the hourglass shape, you will find that your body falls into one of the six following body types.
The X Frame. More commonly called the “hourglass shape”. Simply stated: This lucky lady is evenly proportioned. Not sure if this is you? Ask yourself: Do I have wide shoulders, a strong hip curve when viewed from the front, and a small waist? Is my waist at least 10 inches smaller than my hips and bust? Cardio: Do it regularly, any technique is fine, and mix it up if you bore easily. Weight training: Do a variety of exercises to firm up the muscles. Structurally, you are balanced, so hit both upper and lower body consistently. Advantage: No need to be shy in swimwear. With this small waist, this lady looks great in almost anything! Famous X Frame: Halle Berry.
The O Frame, also known as the “apple” shape. Simply Stated: This lady generally has an overweight appearance because she gains weight in the midsection. Ask yourself: Am I large busted? Do I have thin legs? Is my waist measurement larger than my bust and hips? Cardio: Focus on it to generate weight loss overall. Use an incline on the treadmill, or hop on a stepper. You’ll burn more calories and challenge yourself. Weight Training: Do a variety, but pay special attention to the legs in order to restore balance with the upper body. Good exercises are squats, leg presses, and stiff-legged deadlifts. Advantage: These ladies have an opportunity for very dramatic results! Famous O Frame: Starr Jones.
The A Frame, also known as the “pear” shape. Simply stated: These ladies tend to carry weight in their hips, thighs, and buttocks. Ask yourself: Do I have wide hips? Do I have a narrow back and shoulders? Do I have a medium to small waist? Is my shoulder measurement smaller than my hips? Cardio: Walk on the treadmill or use an elliptical machine, as this will help trim down your lower body. Weight training: Achieve balance by doing lateral raises, shoulder presses and pulldowns. Use heavy weights and lower repetitions on these exercises and you’ll widen your upper body. Advantage: Through hard work and dedication, these types shape up beautifully. These ladies have a beautiful hip curve that money can’t buy! Famous A Frame: Tracy Ellis-Ross.
The T Frame, also known as the “V” frame. Simply stated: These ladies have wide upper bodies and narrow hips. Ask yourself: Are my shoulders at least 2 inches wider that my hips? Do I have a narrow waist and narrow hips? Do I have thin legs? Cardio: Do the stepper or treadmill on an incline, as they work to add thickness to the legs. Weight training: Achieve balance by building the lower body. Squats, leg presses, and stiff legged deadlifts help to add size to the lower body. Lunges are also good for adding shape. Advantage: Potential for great abs! Famous T frame: Janet Jackson.
Copyright © 2009 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT
|
Don't miss my next post. Get it delivered straight to your inbox! |
2007 Warrior Fitness World, Inc. All Rights Reserved.