Hello.

After researching my Body Type, I've come to the conclusion that I'm a Mesomorph.

However, my Body Fat is non existant. I've taken every online body fat
that I can find, and they all say anywhere from 0 to -1%

My waist is very small. Would that play a factor on why body fat
scales won't register, and, online calculators say 0 to -1%?

Post some pictures, we'll be happy to guess what you are.

I'm guessing your not quite at 0%. :)

My waist is very small. Would that play a factor on why body fat
scales won't register, and, online calculators say 0 to -1%?

Weight?
Height?
Waist?
Age?

Weight?
Height?
Waist?
Age?


Weight = 150

Height = 5.9

Waist = 26

Age 25

For the record, my waist hasn't change since 13 years old.

Hello.

After researching my Body Type, I've come to the conclusion that I'm a Mesomorph.

However, my Body Fat is non existant. I've taken every online body fat
that I can find, and they all say anywhere from 0 to -1%

My waist is very small. Would that play a factor on why body fat
scales won't register, and, online calculators say 0 to -1%?

Yeah, if your bodyfat were anywhere near that low, you'd most assuredly be dead. Get some calipers and test it that way....or maybe use the submersion method....because your current method is inaccurate -- any method that suggests you are near zero percent bf is clearly wrong.

I found a couple of online calculators that put you at zero and I bet the problem is the calculator can't handle a 25" waist. I ran your numbers through several others and got a bodyfat of 13-14%

I found a couple of online calculators that put you at zero and I bet the problem is the calculator can't handle a 25" waist. I ran your numbers through several others and got a bodyfat of 13-14%

Thank you

Can you direct me to those Calculators?

I found one that stated 13 - 14% as well.

However, it takes my height & weight into factor. Not my
waist. I'm not so sure how accurate that can be considering
it doesn't take into factor my body type.

I have all the traits of a Mesomorph (Very broad shoulders, narrow
waist, musucular, gain/lose weight easily, puts on muscle very fast,
and, a variable metabolism according to my food intake) and nothing
of an Ectomorphs.

My body only reacts to heavy weights, and, light warm ups is a waste
of time for me. In addition to having a fast recovery, and, jumping
up 10 pounds weekly (It only takes three days for my body to grow
acustom to the weight) if I desire.

Now. I've read this type of body is very rare, and people usually
carry some of the traits, but not all. So, I'm wondering how many
of these Calculators are focused towards my body type, and, not
a combination of both.

Thank you

Can you direct me to those Calculators?

I found one that stated 13 - 14% as well.

However, it takes my height & weight into factor. Not my
waist. I'm not so sure how accurate that can be considering
it doesn't take into factor my body type.

I have all the traits of a Mesomorph (Very broad shoulders, narrow
waist, musucular, gain/lose weight easily, puts on muscle very fast,
and, a variable metabolism according to my food intake) and nothing
of an Ectomorphs.

My body only reacts to heavy weights, and, light warm ups is a waste
of time for me. In addition to having a fast recovery, and, jumping
up 10 pounds weekly (It only takes three days for my body to grow
acustom to the weight) if I desire.

Now. I've read this type of body is very rare, and people usually
carry some of the traits, but not all. So, I'm wondering how many
of these Calculators are focused towards my body type, and, not
a combination of both.

:) Were you by chance at the Active.com web site below? If so did you remember to punch in your gender?
http://www.active.com/calculators/bodyfat_calc_togo.cfm#

Here is another site that might interest you. Don't know if someone already directed you to it! :D http://www.biofitness.com/bodyfat.html

Try out www.mybodycomp.com

I haven't been there for a while, but it gives a rough estimate.


Weight = 150

Height = 5.9

Waist = 26

Age 25

For the record, my waist hasn't change since 13 years old.

:) Were you by chance at the Active.com web site below? If so did you remember to punch in your gender?
http://www.active.com/calculators/bodyfat_calc_togo.cfm#

Here is another site that might interest you. Don't know if someone already directed you to it! :D http://www.biofitness.com/bodyfat.html


Thanks Carole.

Active gave me = 0%

And as far as biofitness is concerned, I'm 14%, I should lose weight,
and, lower my intensity. The exact opposite what my body requires.



The Mesomorph Body

The mesomorph has well-defined muscles and large bones. The torso tapers to a relatively narrow and low waist. The bones and muscles of the head are prominent. Features of the face are clearly defined, such as cheek bones and a square, heavy jaw. The face is long and broad, and is cubicle in shape. Arms and legs are developed and even the digits of the hand are muscled.


:nod:


Training
At the core of the mesomorphs training program should be resistance training. Since mesomorphs muscles are so thick and powerful, moderate to heavy weights are required to stimulate growth.




Mesomorph:

Called the "gifted"ones, this type is genetically predisposed to great musculature gains. Usually very athletic looking, they have a good posture and are symmetric. For a bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast, this is good news! Mesomorphs are said to build muscle mass faster then most people can and to be able to loose fat rapidly when on the right diet!

Training:

The best type of training is said to be achieved with heavy weight performed explosively (with great force output, intensity). Super sets, Compound sets and giants sets are useful here as they can produce significant gains.

That training technique is the only method that gives me results.
My body recovers too fast so I need to constantly shock it to
get results.

Back to Biofitness.

The forearm/arm measurement is not accurate for you can have
fat arms or muscular arms. Mine are muscular. So are they judging
it on fat, or, muscular traits.


I'm a guy with a girl waist :p and, apparently, its confusing the
calculators. Or maybe I'm just dead. :confused:

Thanks Carole.

I'm a guy with a girl waist :p and, apparently, its confusing the
calculators. Or maybe I'm just dead. :confused:

Get the calipers if you want %BF. Would like to see that 26"waist on a 25 year old man, got a picture?

Size of wrist is more indictive of body type than size of waist. Google wrist size.

Your'e not very big for a mesomorph. More likely an ecto-meso. Not that it matters. Whatever bodytype you are, it will respond to training and diet. Certain adjustments to training may be pertinent to different body types. But all bodytypes (endo, meso, ecto) will respond to training with heavy weights with an emphasis on compound movements. Gains in strength will ensue as well as size (with the right diet) if that is your goal. What are your goals? Gain muscle? Improve strength? Both?

Thanks rtestes. This seems like the only alternative. I'm not the
type that likes to post pictures of myself on the internet. Its just
not my thing.


jsbrook. I can assure you I'm not mixed. I carry none of the traits
of the ecto. I wear 15.5 inch button downed shirts, so the shirt's
shoulder will sit on my shoulders and not above it. Ever since I
was little boy, I was told I have very broad shoulders compared
to my waist.

When you took this test what did it tell you?

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/becker3.htm

My score was 2 = Mesomorph. I've even given myself the benefit
of doubt, and got 1.92 = Mesomorph

I agree. Everyone will benefit from lifting heavy. However recovering is another story.....


When it comes to exercise, the ectomorph needs to limit outside activities other than weight training. In order to build muscle, almost all energies should be put toward weight training exercises using low reps and heavy weight. You will also need to rest more due to the heavy strain. Workouts should be spaced about forty-eight (48) to seventy-two (72) hours apart.

I can do over my weight with a 20 second break (tops) between
sets. I generally workout 6 days a week. All I need is one day off
from the gym. I leave the gym with more energy than when I
entered. Thats why I said:


That training technique is the only method that gives me results.
My body recovers too fast so I need to constantly shock it to
get results.


Training:

The best type of training is said to be achieved with heavy weight performed explosively (with great force output, intensity). Super sets, Compound sets and giants sets are useful here as they can produce significant gains.

Everything under Mesomorph is me. However Ectomorph is nothing
like me. I've been questioned if I juice due to achieving such fast results.

I've even taken months off from the gym, and, got back to my
original size in as little as 2 weeks. All those traits are Mesomorph.

And I'm pretty certain its why so much body fat calculators are registering 0 to - 1%







Your'e not very big for a mesomorph. More likely an ecto-meso. Not that it matters. Whatever bodytype you are, it will respond to training and diet. Certain adjustments to training may be pertinent to different body types. But all bodytypes (endo, meso, ecto) will respond to training with heavy weights with an emphasis on compound movements. Gains in strength will ensue as well as size (with the right diet) if that is your goal. What are your goals? Gain muscle? Improve strength? Both?

I'm not the
type that likes to post pictures of myself on the internet. Its just
not my thing.

You may not like it and it may not be your thing but your asking for help and I think a pic would definately help shed some light on your "problem". No worries , everyones grown up and shows respect here , if thats what has you worried :gl:

jsbrook. I can assure you I'm not mixed. I carry none of the traits
of the ecto. I wear 15.5 inch button downed shirts, so the shirt's
shoulder will sit on my shoulders and not above it. Ever since I
was little boy, I was told I have very broad shoulders compared
to my waist.

When you took this test what did it tell you?

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/becker3.htm

My score was 2 = Mesomorph. I've even given myself the benefit
of doubt, and got 1.92 = Mesomorph

I agree. Everyone will benefit from lifting heavy. However recovering is another story.....



I can do over my weight with a 20 second break (tops) between
sets. I generally workout 6 days a week. All I need is one day off
from the gym. I leave the gym with more energy than when I
entered. Thats why I said:

Everything under Mesomorph is me. However Ectomorph is nothing
like me. I've been questioned if I juice due to achieving such fast results.

I've even taken months off from the gym, and, got back to my
original size in as little as 2 weeks. All those traits are Mesomorph.

And I'm pretty certain its why so much body fat calculators are registering 0 to - 1%

Ok. I'm not doubting you. Although I'm not sure how much stock I put into tests like that. As for myself, I scored a 1.83 which put me near mesomorph. But at 5'7 I was 160 at 9.1% bodyfat before my bulk. I would say I've put on about 12 pounds of muscle since. I'll know for sure after I cut and get my bodyfat tested again. I'm not criticising you; I'm just wondering why you're not bigger as a mesomorph. Although you say you've had fast results. Which is good. How long have you been training? I guess that mesomorph is not necessarily refering to size but more towards body characteristics and response to training. I've never planned a training program according to a body classification or advised others to do so, so I haven't paid much attention to the somtaform classifications. But I'm still somewhat confused as to your goals and what you'd like help with. Do you want to lose weight? Gain muscle? Are you questioning whether you have too little bodyfat or too much? Is that what you're looking for help with? Are you looking for training suggestions?

Ok. I'm not doubting you. Although I'm not sure how much stock I put into tests like that. As for myself, I scored a 1.83 which put me near mesomorph. But at 5'7 I was 160 at 9.1% bodyfat before my bulk.

But dude what is your waist? I'm Five - Nine with a 26 inch waist.

Its the waist thats causing the problem. :cool:


I would say I've put on about 12 pounds of muscle since. I'll know for sure after I cut and get my bodyfat tested again. I'm not criticising you; I'm just wondering why you're not bigger as a mesomorph.

Because I choose not to. Not everybody wants to be huge. For
me its definition. So, I will limit myself to the amount of weight
I lift to maintain a certain size. I don't want buldging muscles.



Although you say you've had fast results. Which is good. How long have you been training?

Around 5 years.


I guess that mesomorph is not necessarily refering to size but more towards body characteristics and response to training.

Exactly! You can go all the way, or limit yourself. The choice is
yours. There was a time when I was growing out of my suits. I
backed off from the weights for 6 months, to shrink down in size.

Mesomorph traits is wide shoulders and small waist. Regardless
if I weigh 150, 180, or 135, my waist will still be 26, and, my shoulders
will be very wide. However, the amount of muscles packed on
my body from the lifting will increase my overall appearance. :tu:

I've seen guys increase in size and waist, as they progress.
Thats not Mesomorph. Thats a combination. True Mesomorph
will never achieve a bigger waist regardless.


I've never planned a training program according to a body classification or advised others to do so, so I haven't paid much attention to the somtaform classifications.

To be honest, I didn't either. I stumbled across the "Body Type" accidently. However, it told me everything my body wanted, and
how it responded once I did it.

Basically, I was doing everything I felt my body needed after a lot
of trial an error. I read about this only a year ago, but I was doing
the exact things the quotations recomended to achieve results 4
years prior to reading this.

Once I researched Mesomorph, it all made sense. And it answered
the questions I was wondering ever since I was a child. Even my
eating habits (Eating anything without worrying about getting fat)
follows the Mesomorph rule.

People would ask whats my diet, and, I would have no clue what
they were talking about. Once they asked what do I eat, I told
them............ McDonalds. I never understood why people would
give me evil looks when I said that 4 years ago. Now I know.

It wasn't the testing that made me think I'm a Mesomorph, its the
tests that confirmed I'm a Mesomorph.




But I'm still somewhat confused as to your goals and what you'd like help with. Do you want to lose weight? Gain muscle? Are you questioning whether you have too little bodyfat or too much? Is that what you're looking for help with? Are you looking for training suggestions?

I just wanted to know if my waist size played a factor on why I was getting 0 to -1% on the body fat calculators. Thats all.......


I achieved everything I wanted. I know exactly what I need to do
to regain my size when needed.

Thanks everyone! :tu:

You've been extremely helpfull. It seems my answer lies in the
Calibers, as rtestes recomended.

I've seen guys increase in size and waist, as they progress.
Thats not Mesomorph. Thats a combination. True Mesomorph
will never achieve a bigger waist regardless.



I could be wrong...but I don't really understand what your saying. I've never heard that you can't be mesomorph if your waist size won't change. I'm sure if you gained 50 lbs. of fat, you wouldn't have a 26 inch waist. Everyone's waist size will change at least somewhat, yours hasn't, but that doesn't mean it can't.

Because I choose not to. Not everybody wants to be huge. For
me its definition. So, I will limit myself to the amount of weight
I lift to maintain a certain size. I don't want buldging muscles.

When jsbrook says that he doesn't believe that you are a mesomorph, I THINK he is just saying that *most* mesomorphs are typically a little larger than the size you are at. I don't think he's saying he doesn't believe you that you had not gained massive slabs of muscle all over your body, because there are plenty of people with the mesomorph body type who have not achieved that physique. It's uncharacteristic of the body type, but not impossible, because like you both said, it's more of how your body responds to different things than just how big/small or high body fat/low body fat you are.

My body only reacts to heavy weights, and, light warm ups is a waste
of time for me. In addition to having a fast recovery, and, jumping
up 10 pounds weekly (It only takes three days for my body to grow
acustom to the weight) if I desire.
Gains like that are great, and you're lucky that you are able to achieve them, but just because it has happened for you in the past doesn't mean that you will forever and ever jump 10 lbs. in all your lifts every 3 days. That's crazy, within a year, you'd be lifting thousands and thousands of pounds. Your gains will eventually slow down, period.
______________________________

About your body fat percentage though, if height-weight body fat estimators place you at 13-14% body fat, with a small waist such as yours, you probably have a lower body fat percentage than that, but again, I can't tell for sure without seeing.

I've been questioned if I juice due to achieving such fast results.
One last thing. People saying that your on steroids really doesn't mean anything. If you're 150 lbs, people are just jealous, people say things like that all the time, usually without any basis in reality.

It's not so much that I'm doubting that he's a mesomorph. I just don't see the importance of that somatoform category or any other. You eat what you need to lose fat. It's different for everyone. You eat what you need to put on muscle while bulking. That's different for everyone too. So everyone finds the level for both that's appropriate for them. Simple. In terms of training, most people would benefit from heavy weights and compound exercises. Of course the speed and amount of gains at the same amount of calories varies from person to person. I just don't really understand the point of somatform labeling and how it would influence nutrition and training. That should be dictated by results and experience. Although I have seen some legitimate studies detailing differences in the nervous system and composition of fast twitch and slow twitch muscles in individuals, effective training programs for each do not vary very much as a practical matter. Most people will respond to a variety of training parameters to greater or lesser degress. Omnifex, maybe it is your waist size that throws off the calcualtions. 26 is pretty damn small. Mine is around 29-30 when lean. I'd say calipers or hydrostatic weighing would be the way to go.

It's not so much that I'm doubting that he's a mesomorph. I just don't see the importance of that somatoform category or any other. You eat what you need to lose fat. It's different for everyone. You eat what you need to put on muscle while bulking. That's different for everyone too. So everyone finds the level for both that's appropriate for them. Simple. In terms of training, most people would benefit from heavy weights and compound exercises. Of course the speed and amount of gains at the same amount of calories varies from person to person. I just don't really understand the point of somatform labeling and how it would influence nutrition and training. That should be dictated by results and experience. Although I have seen some legitimate studies detailing differences in the nervous system and composition of fast twitch and slow twitch muscles in individuals, effective training programs for each do not vary very much as a practical matter. Most people will respond to a variety of training parameters to greater or lesser degress. Omnifex, maybe it is your waist size that throws off the calcualtions. 26 is pretty damn small. Mine is around 29-30 when lean. I'd say calipers or hydrostatic weighing would be the way to go.

Oh, I totally agree with you. As I said in another thread, the 3 body type system is way too simplistic. You're completely correct, you shouldn't base your plan on an artificial body type (because it really doesn't matter very much), you should base it on what works for YOU.

By the way, I knew you weren't doubting he was a mesomorph...I must not have worded my post correctly. I thought you were saying that his size was unusual for a mesomorph, not that he couldn't be one. Not sure if that's what you said either though...

Oh, I totally agree with you. As I said in another thread, the 3 body type system is way too simplistic. You're completely correct, you shouldn't base your plan on an artificial body type (because it really doesn't matter very much), you should base it on what works for YOU.

By the way, I knew you weren't doubting he was a mesomorph...I must not have worded my post correctly. I thought you were saying that his size was unusual for a mesomorph, not that he couldn't be one. Not sure if that's what you said either though...

You got it. I was somewhat surprised at a mesomorph who lifts being that size. It seems like a normal size for a non-lifter. A lot of people (presumably mesomorphs) who don't lift are a lot bigger than that. (this is not trashing the original poster-just my understanding) I guess I've never done the research, but I always thought that the main criteria for being mesomorph was being muscular and shoulder width and waist size secondary. But as we've said, it still doesn't really matter as the impact of classification on training and nutrition is extremely minimal.

You got it. I was somewhat surprised at a mesomorph who lifts being that size. It seems like a normal size for a non-lifter. A lot of people (presumably mesomorphs) who don't lift are a lot bigger than that. (this is not trashing the original poster-just my understanding) I guess I've never done the research, but I always thought that the main criteria for being mesomorph was being muscular and shoulder width and waist size secondary. But as we've said, it still doesn't really matter as the impact of classification on training and nutrition is extremely minimal.

Right.

But dude what is your waist? I'm Five - Nine with a 26 inch waist.

Its the waist thats causing the problem. :cool:


My younger brother is 5'9" and has a 27" waist ...measured with a tape, not his Levis... and weighs about 140 now. He is 32 and eats so much food that several times places like Sizzler ran out of the all you can eat ribs, shrimp or whatever :p You can see NO fat on him at all, nothing around the waist, all his muscles are defined. That said, when he took an accurate test he was still 6% bodyfat. His shoulders are much broader than his waist of course, because his waist is smaller than average.

The reason the online tests tell you you are 0-1% is because men with 26" waists are extreme outliers and do not fit into the formulas used to >>>estimate<<< fat, not because you have a super-low bodyfat. The only way to know what your bf is, is to get a reliable test, not one based on statistics. As a woman with unusually broad shoulders I have the same problem. Even if I put 1" for every other measurement it tells me I am some ridiculous number because of that one measurement.

:tu:

My younger brother is 5'9" and has a 27" waist ...measured with a tape, not his Levis... and weighs about 140 now. He is 32 and eats so much food that several times places like Sizzler ran out of the all you can eat ribs, shrimp or whatever :p You can see NO fat on him at all, nothing around the waist, all his muscles are defined. That said, when he took an accurate test he was still 6% bodyfat. His shoulders are much broader than his waist of course, because his waist is smaller than average.

The reason the online tests tell you you are 0-1% is because men with 26" waists are extreme outliers and do not fit into the formulas used to >>>estimate<<< fat, not because you have a super-low bodyfat. The only way to know what your bf is, is to get a reliable test, not one based on statistics. As a woman with unusually broad shoulders I have the same problem. Even if I put 1" for every other measurement it tells me I am some ridiculous number because of that one measurement.

:tu:


:tucool: Thanks thirtysomething.