Some people get in shape easier than others. You probably have at least one friend who has just started to work out, but has already lost weight. The latest research shows that different groups respond differently to exercise. Your fitness progress depends on a multitude of factors, such as your age, gender, overall health, activity level, and body composition.
It appears that genes have a major impact on how fit people become. This could actually explain why some gym goers are progressing more slowly than others despite doing the same workouts and eating the same things. A recent study has found that people at risk for diabetes must train at higher intensity than healthy individuals to achieve similar benefits.
Researchers have also discovered that different body types react differently to exercise. Mesomorphs are able to build muscle quite quickly, so they don’t need to spend hours in the gym. For optimal results, they should use a combination of strength training and cardio intervals. Ectomorphs are lean and flexible, so they should choose weight training over cardio to build muscle.
Endomorphs have a hard time keeping fit and tend to gain weight easily. If you fit into this category, assess your weaknesses and try to fix them. Experiment with different lifting techniques and cardio programs to find one that works best for you. Some endomorphs respond better to aerobic training, while others should lift heavy to rev up their metabolism.
Be aware that men and women respond differently to exercise because of their hormone levels. Men produce more testosterone, which makes it easier to build muscle and lose fat. Other studies indicate that African-American women have lower resting metabolic rates and oxidize fat more slowly than Caucasian women. The type of exercise you’re doing influences your results too. One thing is for sure: everyone can benefit from physical activity, regardless of age, race, or genetic makeup.
