The New Science of Body Types (Part 3 or 4) - The "Android" Body Type

This is part 3 of a four part article on the "New Science of Body Types" where I'm taking you through the history of the study of body types called "Somatotyping" which was pioneered by Harvard scientist Dr. William Sheldon back in the 1930/40's. Sheldon's theory was there were three body types for men and women that he called Ectomorphs, Mesomorphs and Endomorphs.

Sheldon's research lacked understanding into WHAT exactly caused the differences in theses types. New science building on Sheldon's research has recently revealed the metabolic individuality of these body types and also revealed there is a fourth body type for women that Sheldon missed altogether.

New science has since then looked to rename Sheldon's Somatotypes as well as to further study what makes each of these types unique.

CLICK HERE to follow the chain of articles from part 1 so that you get a more in depth understanding of the subject if you haven't followed the series from the start.

THE ANDROID BODY TYPE

Android body type (what Dr. William Sheldon called the "Mesomorph body type") are so called because they tend to produce more male hormones than the other body types. This gives them certain athletic advantages and a certain aesthetic look so to speak. The Android body type typically has broad shoulders and strong muscular limbs. The trunk is somewhat straight up and down and there is not much of a waist.

The pelvis is narrow and the hips do not flare. Android types have an anabolic metabolism, which means that they tend to build muscle fairly easily in comparison to other body types. They tend to be reasonably lean but when do gain fat they tend to gain it in the upper part of their body whilst their legs remain relatively lean. This means that if they gain excess weight they may become apple-shaped as most of their weight gain occurs on the front of the abdomen.

Android body types tend to crave foods that are high in cholesterol and salt. Their bodies turn cholesterol into steroid hormones, which will have a muscle building effect on them. This may lead to some cellulite in the abdominal area and but little / if any cellulite below the hips when they do gain fat however android types have a good metabolic rate and therefore find losing excess body fat relatively easy and straight forward.

As mentioned in part 1 of this four part article there are a few “PURE” body types -- most people tend to be a mixture on at least two or three body types due to the genetics of their parents. Androids as most people seem to be in between body types such that those who have a dominant android body type and therefore may need to still work at staying in condition if they have an "lymphatic body type" influence.

On the flip side, in some cases "pure"androids (i.e. both parents have dominant android body types) may have such a muscular build that might be viewed as too masculine/ male like for a woman.

Characteristic of the Android Body Type

• Naturally produce good levels of androgen and anabolic hormones like testosterone

• Naturally lean (low body fat), athletic looking

• Natural born athletes

• High and efficient level of metabolism

• High energy levels

• Naturally muscular and sculpted even before they ever worked out

• Naturally strong and fast

• Find is easy to drop body fat

• Relatively quick recovery from exercise

• Build muscles relatively fast

Nutritional Tips for Android Body Types

In order to always look and feel good, it's very important to maintain a healthy nutritional plan. So whilst this body type doesn't gain large amounts of body fat easily they my become a bit too relaxed with their diet and eat whatever, whenever but be careful -- you might look good on the outside but are you destroying your health on the inside? Even though weight might not be a big issue for people with this body type, don’t forget that your diet greatly influences your skin, hair and other bodily factors apart from the obvious physique issue.

Stick of healthy size portions and frequent meals with quality carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats.

Exercise Tips for Android Body Types

Unlike lymphatic body types; android body types can get away with infrequent exercise patterns and still be in suitable physical condition however if they maintained a good exercise plan of an active lifestyle they would simply be better off for it.

Android types with some lymphatic type cross-over need to have a good exercise plan (and nutrition plan) in order to stay as lean as possible. Mix in both resistance training and cardio into you exercise plan.

CLICK HERE to look up my customised workout and nutrition plans to help you get into the best shape and health status of your life.

-- END OF PART 3.