How to exercise right for your body type

Generally, people fall into three body types. Endomorphs tend to store more fat than the other body types and are sometimes called pear- or apple-shaped. Ectomorphs, the so-called "string beans," tend to be thin, long-limbed and have difficulty putting on fat and muscle. Mesomorphs have athletic builds, characterized by high muscle mass and little fat.

Endomorphs
For endos, who usually carry extra fat around the lower abdomen, hips and thighs, the key is to start with a program that burns calories instead of a lot of strength training.

Ectomorphs
The goal for this thin body type is to gain tone or muscle mass. The same cardio exercises that work well for their pear-shaped friends will just exacerbate the beanpole look for ectos. While their long arms and legs are well-suited to activities like long-distance running, women in this category looking to build muscle tone are advised to lessen the cardio and increase resistance training.

Mesomorphs
Mesos are going to have an easier time putting on muscle mass. For these body types, the movement, posture and breath control of yoga and Pilates are suggested because it provides muscular conditioning in a routine less likely to create a bulky look.