Women's bodies vary enormously and come in every size and shape. Size, shape and self-esteem seem to go hand in hand - we are subtly aware of other women's shapes on the train, at work, in the queue at the cash-point, and constantly compare them to our own. What's important, however, is recognising and accepting our inherent shape, then toning to target problem areas. You can't alter your fundamental body shape, but you can get rid of tummy fat and hone the wobbly bits, feeling better about your body all round - you can make significant improvements to your silhouette. Whatever body blueprint you were born with, you can exercise to enhance your shape at any stage of your life.
Apple, pear and runner bean - the 3 body types
Here's how I keep it simple. Consider these three archetypal shapes: apple, pear and runner bean. Most women tend towards one of these shapes, although not exclusively. One way to ascertain which you are, if you're not already aware, is to ask yourself which areas of your body are most difficult to spot-reduce - tell-tale areas include the backs of the arms, cellulite on the thighs and bottom (pear), chubby tummy fat and waist (apple) or, for the runner bean, a lack of curves. Each shape has its advantages - pears have great abs and a small waist, whilst apples have slim hips and legs and a small bottom. Runner beans, who berate their flat chests, are admired for their tall elegance and the fact that they look good in anything.
Mesomorph or apple:
Carry weight in the middle - waist and stomach, average to large bust. Metabolic rate: average. Find it more difficult to lose tummy fat.
Endomorph or pear:
Slim waist, sometimes a flat stomach, large bottom and thighs, bigger thighs than bust. Metabolic rate: average.
Ectomorph or runner bean:
Straight up and down, small/flat chested, long arms and legs. Metabolic rate: high.
The Apple Circuit
Apples need to focus on their abdominals. As they tend to be heavier around the middle, gaining belly fat around the waist and stomach, they need to try and draw in the waist - work your abs by keeping them drawn in tight when practising upper-and lower-body exercises. Now continue with your daily routine remembering to hold your abs in. Doing this exercise enhances your core strength, working on your transverses abdominis muscles while also strengthening your lower back.
The Pear Circuit
Pears carry more weight around their hips, thighs, bottom and backs of the upper arms, although they tend to have fairly toned midriffs. Exercise focussing mainly on the hips, bottom and legs, working all the major muscle groups. Abdominal exercises target all the abdominal muscles, and the press-up is great for upper-body strength and for revving up the metabolic rate.
The Runner Bean Circuit
Runner beans look athletic, with a long torso and limbs. Exercise focussing on increasing strength-enhancing posture, building strength and improving flexibility.
Apple, pear and runner bean - the 3 body types
Here's how I keep it simple. Consider these three archetypal shapes: apple, pear and runner bean. Most women tend towards one of these shapes, although not exclusively. One way to ascertain which you are, if you're not already aware, is to ask yourself which areas of your body are most difficult to spot-reduce - tell-tale areas include the backs of the arms, cellulite on the thighs and bottom (pear), chubby tummy fat and waist (apple) or, for the runner bean, a lack of curves. Each shape has its advantages - pears have great abs and a small waist, whilst apples have slim hips and legs and a small bottom. Runner beans, who berate their flat chests, are admired for their tall elegance and the fact that they look good in anything.
Mesomorph or apple:
Carry weight in the middle - waist and stomach, average to large bust. Metabolic rate: average. Find it more difficult to lose tummy fat.
Endomorph or pear:
Slim waist, sometimes a flat stomach, large bottom and thighs, bigger thighs than bust. Metabolic rate: average.
Ectomorph or runner bean:
Straight up and down, small/flat chested, long arms and legs. Metabolic rate: high.
The Apple Circuit
Apples need to focus on their abdominals. As they tend to be heavier around the middle, gaining belly fat around the waist and stomach, they need to try and draw in the waist - work your abs by keeping them drawn in tight when practising upper-and lower-body exercises. Now continue with your daily routine remembering to hold your abs in. Doing this exercise enhances your core strength, working on your transverses abdominis muscles while also strengthening your lower back.
The Pear Circuit
Pears carry more weight around their hips, thighs, bottom and backs of the upper arms, although they tend to have fairly toned midriffs. Exercise focussing mainly on the hips, bottom and legs, working all the major muscle groups. Abdominal exercises target all the abdominal muscles, and the press-up is great for upper-body strength and for revving up the metabolic rate.
The Runner Bean Circuit
Runner beans look athletic, with a long torso and limbs. Exercise focussing on increasing strength-enhancing posture, building strength and improving flexibility.
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