Not everyone has the same basic body frame. So an exercise program that helps one body frame reach certain fitness goals may actually prevent another body frame type from reaching theirs. There are six basic body types: 8, A, H, V, Ruler, and Oval/Apple. Each body frame carries weight differently and, therefore will pose different exercise challenges to the individual.
The 8 frame is considered the perfect body shape. It is often called the hourglass figure. For those of you lucky enough to have this naturally proportionate shape blessed with chest and hips of the same size and a waist ten inches smaller, your job is easy. You can perform any type of cardio which means you can vary your work out to keep from being bored. You should still include a regiment of resistance training at least twice weekly. Work all of the muscles of the body between the two days.
The A body shape is not quite as lucky as the 8 frame. This body type is thinner on the upper body and carries most of the body weight in the hips, thighs, and butt. This body shape wants to avoid doing cardio exercises that will increase the muscle size of the lower body. This means the stair climber is out unless you want to increase the spoon like figure proportions. Stick with the elliptical or the treadmill without an incline. Resistance training should target the upper body to even out the body shape. The bigger you make the upper body muscles, the smaller the lower body will appear.
The H frame body shape has a larger waist and shoulders. People with this type of body want to concentrate on minimizing the waist. The cardio choices for this body include the treadmill with an incline and the stepper. Resistance training should concentrate on the lower body. Squats and leg presses are great resistance exercises for the H body shape.
The V frame body has shoulders measuring at least two inches more than the hips. This body shape is usually bigger up top and smaller on the bottom. The goal for this body shape is to build up the lower body to even out the body shape. For cardio, the stepper is a good way to burn fat while increasing the muscle tone in the legs. Avoid doing cardio that will slim the legs. As with the H frame, resistance training should focus on the lower body.
The Ruler body shape is usually equally thin from bottom to top. A person with this body shape has difficulty adding weight and shape. The majority of exercise should be resistance training. Too much cardio will only further minimize the body. Focus on resistance exercises for the whole body evenly. Building muscles on the upper body and lower body will help bring out more shape.
The apple/oval body shape is biggest in the middle, chest and stomach, but little in the arms and legs. This body shape wants to concentrate on cardio that will burn fat and build toned legs. The stepper and the treadmill on incline are great cardio to lose weight all over while still building some muscle tone on the legs. Resistance training should concentrate on the lower body, again to build tone in the legs.