There are three general somatotypes — the technical term for classifying body types — that play a major role in determining your capacity to add muscle to your physique. An ectomorph body type is classically long and lean, with a robust metabolism and thyroid function that prevents them from gaining much fat, but also limits their muscle-building potential, as well.
Compare this to the endomorph or pear-shaped body type — naturally rounder and heavier individuals — who gain muscle more easily but also accumulate more body fat as well. (Mesomorphs are the naturally athletic, solid and strong somatotype that gain muscle easily and burn fat easily… the genetic jackpot winners!).
Does this mean if you’re an ectomorph you’re doomed to “pipe-cleaner” arms or minimal curves forever? Absolutely not. But it does mean you’ll need to make a more substantial effort with how you eat and be more precise with how you train to achieve your muscle-building goals.
Ectomorphs typically have greater sympathetic nervous system dominance, lower testosterone levels, and slightly weaker digestive function, which can lead to a lack of anabolic muscle-building hormonal terrain, a mild drawback for adding weight.
Likewise, a revved up metabolism means you have a higher caloric need and digging a little deeper on the nutrition front will help you nail down some macronutrient (i.e. protein, fat and carb) targets to help you achieve your goal. While these are generalities, they provide a framework to let you know you may need to do things a little differently than your friend or coworker to find the best diet and exercise plan for you to add more lean muscle.
