When it comes to finding the best workout routine for you, there’s no one size fits all prescription. It’s important to take into consideration your body type, so that you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your workouts and doing the exercises that benefit your shape. Whether you’re curvy, skinny, or naturally athletic, here are some recommendations to find the right workout for your metabolism.
Pear Shape
If you carry the majority of your weight below the waist, the key to your workout is rotating your routines to challenge different muscles on different days.
- For the upper body: Use moderate weights on the exercise machines to do bicep curls, shoulder presses, and tricep dips.
- For the lower body: Focus on quadriceps, inner thighs, hamstrings and calves. This can be done with dumbbell squats, bridge curls with a stability ball, as well as the stationary bike and elliptical.
Ruler Shape
If your body type tends towards the straight and narrow, you may feel like you have a difficult time gaining muscle mass.
- For the upper body: To develop more structure up top focus on core-based exercises and workout machines including the elliptical and bench based weight lifting.
- For the lower body: Focus on cardio workouts that strengthen your legs including the stationary bike and treadmill.
Apple Shape
For those individuals that tend towards an apple body shape, you likely carry the majority of your weight in your midsection.
- For upper body: Focus on steady aerobic activity and fat burning exercises, using the rowing machine and interval cardio workouts. Also work on push-ups, side planks and lunges.
- For the lower body: Vary your workout to include lunges and leg raises, and consider using the stationary bike or taking spin classes to shake things up.
Always be sure to talk to your healthcare professional before beginning any workout routine, as they can help advise you on the types of workouts that are safe and appropriate for you. And if you’re looking to start your own home gym, Used Gym Equipment is here to get you started.
