Everyone’s body type is different, that’s why it’s also important to know which type of workout would give the best benefits for each one. Do you know how to determine your body type? It’s easy: have a look at yourself in a full-length mirror, evaluate your characteristics based on the criteria associated with each body type, and celebrate that fantastic bod.

Just a disclaimer: Do not limit yourself to specific exercises that are best for your body type. You’re free to do any workouts you’d love to, of course!

If You Have an Hourglass Body Type

How to determine if you have an hourglass body type: your upper and lower body might be slightly equally proportioned, which is then divided by a small waistline. If you have this type of body, it might be easier for you to gain both muscle and fat.

Best workouts for you are…

Circuit training

In circuit training, you get to engage in different exercises— from cycling to weightlifting then going for a run.

Multi-joint workouts

These are the workouts that engage multiple areas of your body at the same time. A good example of a multi-joint workout is swimming. Other workouts to try? You have squat with an overhead press, step-ups with side deltoid lifts, and lunges with rows– try it on a regular basis with the help of a nearby personal trainer.

Lift weights at a light to moderate intensity

We recommend 12-15 repetitions and two to four sets. Best to rest for 30 seconds between each set. Add this to your routine at least 2-3 times weekly.

Do cardio 3-5 days weekly

Cardio’s important, and you could get at least 20-45 minutes of it in your workout. If your fitness routine includes days when cardio makes a larger portion, then perform your cardio at about 50% to 70% of your maximum intensity. On the other hand, if your cardio comprises a smaller portion of your daily routine, perform at about 70% to 80% of your maximum intensity.

If You Have an Athletic Body Type

How to determine if you have an athletic body type: your shoulders are slightly wider than your hips and your legs are thin. If you have this kind of a body type, you might gain muscles readily and gain fat rarely, so any type of exercises will benefit you.

Best workouts for you are…

Multi-joint workouts

Multi-joint workouts engage the whole body. Instead of just lifting weights, you can try sports like tennis, wherein you move both of your arms and legs. Other multi-joint workouts you can try are lunges, bench presses, squats, and deadlifts.

Do weight training at a difficult intensity

We recommend you do a set of 8-12 repetitions, then rest for 45 seconds. Do one or two more sets. Add this into your workout plan for two or three times each week.

Make sure to perform weight training for your legs as well as your upper body. As you might tend to have thinner legs, it’ll help to build muscles in your legs to balance out your upper and lower body.

Do cardio 3-4 times weekly

Remember to have a variation with your intensity when doing your cardio. During low-intensity cardio, lengthen the time to 45 minutes. On the other hand, when doing a high-intensity cardio, reduce it to 30 minutes.

Do curls

How to perform a curl: hold one dumbbell in a hand with your palm facing up. Make sure that your wrist is straight. Bring your hand close to you by bending your elbow and keeping it close to your ribs. Extend your elbow to slowly lower the dumbbell. You can sit or stand when performing curls.

We recommend three sets of eight to 10 reps.

If You Have a Straight Body Type

How to determine if you have a straight body type: your shoulders and hips will be roughly the same width. Most likely, you have a low muscle mass, so compound exercises can help. If you have this body type, you might have a hard time gaining muscle or fat.

Best workouts for you are…

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that involves a sequence of movements. It’s best to see the techniques in person so you can learn how to perfect your form. Visit a personal training studio or martial arts studio to enroll in a Tai Chi class.

Yoga

Yoga is not only an exercise but is a great way to meditate as well. It involves a series of motions to stretch the back, arms, legs, and neck. Visit a yoga or personal training studio to learn yoga safely and get feedback from a personal trainer in Manchester or anywhere in the UK.

Do weight training at a moderate or difficult intensity

We recommend 6-10 repetitions at a slow pace. The slow pace engages your muscles for a longer period, which can be effective in increasing your muscle mass. After your first set of repetitions, rest for sixty seconds, then perform two or three more sets.

Do cardio at a moderate intensity

Add cardio into your routine at least three times weekly, for no more than 30 minutes each time.

If You Have an Apple/Pear-Shaped Body Type

How to determine if you have the apple body type: you have wide hips and a round middle. If you have this body type, you may tend to have more visceral fat around your midsection, so it is also important for you to have a healthy diet. You may want to target your belly fat with high-intensity interval training and core-centric exercises.

Best workouts for you are…

Rear Lunge Chop

When doing a rear lunge chop, stand with your feet together while holding the ends of a dumbbell. Put your right leg behind to have your right knee touch the ground.

Lower the dumbbell so it can point in a front-to-back position along with your body’s left side.

Bring the right foot back to the center alongside your left foot. At the same time, lift the dumbbell over your head and turn at the hips. Repeat 20 times, then repeat on the other side. Perform three reps.

How to determine if you have a pear-shaped body: you have a defined waist and wide hips. If you have this body type, it’s best to focus on your upper body with endurance cardio, power moves, and total-body strength training.

Perform upper body strength exercises to strengthen your arms. Examples are push-ups, overhead presses, and bicep curls.

Repeat three sets of 20 repetitions.

Focus on cardio

Apple and pear body types can benefit from cardio such as running, biking, and swimming as it helps to tone your lower body and it burns more calories. For maximum results, vary the cardio you do daily. Try swimming one day, then opt for biking on your next workout session.