Understanding Your Body Type: How Genetics Influence Your Fitness Journey
, by SquareOne Fitness, 5 min reading time
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to build muscles easily while some of us struggle to see any results?! Or how one friend can eat a lot and still stay slim, while some of us have a slice of cake and it adds a pound to our body. It’s not about willpower or working hard, there’s something deeper at play, we call it, body types and genetics in fitness.
Your genetics play a big role in how your body responds to food, workouts, and recovery. And when you learn to work with your body instead of fighting it, that’s when real results begin.
That’s exactly what MyPT Academy helps you to learn!
Whether you’re training for yourself or planning to become a certified personal trainer, MyPT helps you understand how body types and genetics in fitness influence everything, from how you move to how you feel.
Let’s start with the basics!
What’s a Body Type?
Everyone’s body is built differently.
Some people have lean body frames and find gaining weight to be a challenge.
While some others develop muscles quite easily.
And some find losing fat tougher than most.
Fitness professionals often divide these into three basic body types:
- Ectomorphs: Tall, slim, and fast metabolism. They often struggle to gain weight or muscle.
- Mesomorphs: Naturally athletic and muscular. They build strength quickly and respond well to training.
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Endomorphs: Softer, rounder build, and gain both muscle and fat more easily.
Most of us are a mix of these types but knowing where you lean helps you train smarter.
So, how does genetics come in?
Think of your genes as your body’s instruction manual.
They decide things like:
- How fast you burn calories
- How your muscles grow
- How your body stores fat
- How quickly you recover after workouts, etc.
Research shows that genetic differences can affect up to 40–70% of your fitness potential. That means your DNA shapes how your body responds to strength training, endurance workouts, and even diet.
But here’s the best part, your genes don’t decide your destiny.
They just tell you the best way to reach your goals faster.
Why Generic Workout Plans Don’t Work for Everyone
Have you ever followed a YouTube workout or a “one-size-fits-all” fitness plan and seen no results?
That’s because your body is unique and everyone needs a personalised fitness plan.
An ectomorph trying to bulk up needs more calories, strength training, and rest.
An endomorph trying to tone up may need shorter rest periods, more movement throughout the day, and specific nutrition tweaks.
Here are some key findings:
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Research shows that traits like overall body composition and somatotype (body build) have very high heritability, estimates for children show heritability (genetic contribution) around 80-93% for body type classifications.
- A meta-analysis found that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has heritability between 44-68%. In other words, almost half of the variation in how well your heart and lungs perform could be linked to genetics.
So yes, genetics aren’t everything, but they are something.
That’s why MyPT Academy’s approach stands out, where every fitness plan is made for your body type, goals, and lifestyle.
No copy-paste routines. No unrealistic diets. Just smart science simplified for real people.
Where MyPT Academy Comes In..
At MyPT Academy, our team of certified trainers believe that fitness isn’t just about “lifting weights,” it’s about understanding people, their body and their minds.
We offer three major diplomas that empower you, whether you’re starting your own fitness journey or aiming to train others:
Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing: Learn the basics of anatomy, exercise safety, and how to plan gym sessions. Perfect if you’re just starting out in fitness.
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training: Advance your career and get certified to train clients independently. Learn to build training plans, assess client health, and communicate like a pro.
Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training: Get deeper knowledge, understand functional movement, client analysis, nutrition, and how to start your own training business.
Apart from these Diploma courses, we also offer CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses for trainers who never stop learning.
From Kettlebell Training and Olympic Lifting Workshops to Stress Management and Neuroscience in Fitness, you’ll always stay ahead of trends and your clients will love you for it.
Quick FAQs
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If I’m an ectomorph, will I always stay skinny?
A: Not at all. You may have to train differently (more focus on strength, recovery, higher calories), but you can build muscle and change your composition.
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Can I change my body type?
A: Your skeletal frame and genetics can’t change, but your body composition — fat vs muscle — absolutely can!
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Do genes decide everything?
A: No. Environment, training, nutrition and effort matter hugely. But genetics explain why two people doing the same routine might get different results.
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How quickly will I see a difference if I personalise fitness plans based on body type?
A: It depends on many factors (starting point, consistency, nutrition, volume). But tailoring your approach often leads to faster progress and fewer plateaus because you’re aligning with how your body works.
Ready to begin your fitness journey?
Join MyPT Academy today and discover the perfect workout for your body type, powered by science and guided by expert coaches.
Visit https://www.mypt.academy/ to start your personalized fitness plan or explore globally recognised fitness diplomas.
