If you’ve been working out for a while and aren’t seeing results, it could be because of your body type. Fitness experts say that while you can’t change your shape, you can improve your fitness and figure by doing workouts suited to your body type.
Workouts for a Pear Shape
A ‘pear’ shape is said to be heavier around the bottom than the top. This means you’re likely to have heavier hips and thighs, with a slim waist and narrow shoulders.
According to exercise experts, the best workouts for a pear shape are:
- Free weight to strengthen your arms, shoulders and chest, to balance out your top and bottom halves.
- Burn calories by doing interval training and plenty of endurance cardio.
- Boot camps combining cardio and resistance exercises can work wonders for ‘pears’.
Workouts for Hourglass Shapes
Hourglass bodies tend to be in proportion – with the hips in line with the shoulders, and a narrow waist. They can also carry weight around their hips and thighs, so the above ‘pear’ shape exercise are a good start.
Workouts for a Straight Shape
If you have slim legs and carry weight around your middle, you most likely have an ‘straight shape. Consider these fitness tips:
- Blast belly fat with cardio – running can be very effective.
- Balance 3 to 4 days a week of cardio, with 1 day of strength exercises.
- Add shape and slim your belly with core work – sit-ups, planks and Pilates can work a treat.
Workouts for Athletic Shapes
Also known as ‘inverted pyramids’, athletic body types tend to have strong, broad shoulders and narrow hips. While you probably don’t need to tone up, you can add curves with these exercises:
- Side planks and sit ups will whittle your waist.
- Running, walking, swimming and yoga to lengthen and lean.
It’s important to remember that working out should never be just about weight loss. Celebrate your body shape and focus on being fit, healthy and happy.
Originally published on Dec 16, 2013
