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If you’re interested to know more about famous endomorph bodybuilders, then you’ve landed on the right page.
In the world of bodybuilding there are many body shapes, and the endomorph body type typically falls within the heavyweight and super heavyweight categories.
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Before we look at some of the most famous endomorph bodybuilders that have graced the stage, let’s learn more about the endomorph body type and how it differs from the other different body types.
What Is An Endomorph Body Type?
Someone with an endomorph body shape will usually have a larger bone structure with shorter limbs and a propensity to carry more body fat, especially around the lower abdomen.
They have a higher fat to muscle ratio and tend to find it harder to lose weight due to having a slower metabolism.
An endomorph is often referred to as ‘big boned’ or ‘pear shaped’.
Weight gain is easy for an endomorph and their slow metabolism means weight loss can be hard work and require a lot of dedication.
As fat accumulates around their lower body and mid-section, it often appears that they have narrow shoulders.
However, with proper strength training, the good news is that an endomorph body type can have an easier time building muscle and strength when compared to the mesomorph body type and ectomorph body type.
This is why they make excellent bodybuilders, weightlifters, and powerlifters.
Female endomorphs, such as Jennifer Lopez, may have a difficult time in achieving their desired body shape.
In such instances they must be very dedicated to keep their body fat low by way of regular strength training with heavy weights.
An endomorph female will also have to be quite strict in terms of what they eat.
By understanding your own body type and genetic potential, you can work towards your own personal goals in a healthy and sustainable way.
10 Famous Endomorph Bodybuilders
Whilst it may be harder to get stage ready for an endomorph, it’s by no means impossible.
In fact, some of the best and most famous bodybuilders over the years have been endomorphs.
It’s worth noting that most people are often a mix of body types and bodybuilders are no exception with them usually falling into the category of a mesomorph / endomorph.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnie is viewed as the most famous bodybuilder of all time and would be considered as having an endomorph / mesomorph body type.
Now retired, during the height of his bodybuilding career, he won the Mr Universe at aged 20 and went onto to win seven Mr. Olympia titles becoming one of the most iconic and influential figures in the sport.
During his competitive days Arnie would typically train for 5 hours each day and 6 times per week.
Even now, he will ensure he fits in a 90-minute strength based workout into his day.
Reg Park
Reg Park was a British bodybuilder who claimed the Mr Universe title three times between 1951 and 1965.
He was the original inspiration for Arnold Schwarzenegger who, at the age of 15, saw him on the front cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine.
Reg Park was a classic endomorph who also had exceptional strength, proven by his 500lb bench press in 1954.
He was exceptionally dedicated to the sport of bodybuilding and committed to training at least 5 hours per day.
Branch Warren
Branch Warren is a renowned bodybuilder from the USA.
Now retired, he claimed 1st place titles at the Arnold Classic in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Branch also competed in the Mr Olympia competition several times between 2005 and 2015.
Whilst he never won the Mr. Olympia title, he consistently placed amongst the top competitors coming in 2nd place in 2009.
As with many heavy weight bodybuilders, Branch Warren’s training and nutrition were tailored to his specific body type, which was characterized as an endomorph.
Greg Kovacs
Greg Kovacs was a Canadian bodybuilder who gained fame in the bodybuilding world during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
With a 70-inch chest and 27-inch arms, he’s best known for his huge size and is considered one of the largest and heaviest bodybuilders in history to date.
Even though he won the Canadian National Championships in 1996, he never placed highly during any subsequent competition and on occasion didn’t place at all.
Whilst his conditioning was deemed exceptional to begin with this was unfortunately lost over the years.
It’s suggested that this was because his focus was more on gaining additional size as opposed to improving his condition.
Rumor has it, that he often consumed in excess of 10,000 calories per day during the off season resulting in his off-season weight coming in at a massive 420lbs.
Sadly, Greg passed away in 2013 due to heart failure.
Dorian Yates
Dorian Yates, also known as ‘the Shadow ‘, is a former British bodybuilder who dominated the scene of bodybuilding during the 1990s.
He was known for his massive and thick physique, making him a prominent endomorph bodybuilder.
Dorian was a hugely successful bodybuilder having won every competition that he entered during his competing days. He also claimed the Mr Olympia title from 1992 to 1997.
Very different to Arnie, he was a fan of short but intense workout sessions keeping them limited to just one hour per day and 4 times a week with moderate amounts of cardio.
He was also known for maintaining his physique year-round and not gaining a huge amount of body fat during off season.
Branch retired in 2017 having sustained multiple muscular injuries.
Ronnie Coleman
Considered one of the strongest bodybuilders of all time, Ronnie Coleman is an American bodybuilder who won the Mr. Olympia title a record-breaking eight times.
He had an impressive muscular frame typical of an endomorph body type.
After retiring from competitive bodybuilding, he was faced with serious health issues, including multiple back surgeries.
This was because of the strain his body endured during his career.
Despite these challenges, he remains an iconic figure in the bodybuilding community and an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
Paul Dillet
Paul Dillet is a Canadian bodybuilder who gained fame during the 90’s and early 2000s.
He possessed a massive and heavily muscled physique, which exemplified the traits of an endomorph body type.
Nicknamed ‘freak-enstein, Paul Dillet competed many times but never claimed first place.
His best place was during the 1997 Olympia where he was awarded 4th place.
It’s often suggested that his posing routines were the cause of his lack of success during his competing days.
Lou Ferrigno
Lou Ferrigno is well-known for his portrayal of the Hulk in the 1970s and 1980s TV series.
He had a large and powerful build, representing the endomorph body type which was displayed during his competitive bodybuilding days.
He first started competing for the IFBB in 1971 and claimed the title Mr America.
Despite his early success, he stepped away from the stage for quite some time and didn’t return to competing until the early 90’s where he placed 10th and 12th during the Mr Olympia competitions.
He also had a brief stint competing for world’s strongest man during their 1977 competition where he placed 4th.
Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler is another famous endomorph bodybuilder who has achieved great success in the sport.
He won four Mr. Olympia titles and is known for his massive size and impressive strength.
He retired from the bodybuilding scene in 2013 after placing 6th in the Olympia.
His reasons for doing so were simply that he had lost his passion and dedication for the sport.
Markus Ruhl
Markus Rühl is a retired German bodybuilder who gained recognition for his massive size and impressive physique during his competitive career.
He began his bodybuilding career in the early 1990s and quickly rose to prominence.
He competed in several bodybuilding competitions, earning a number of notable achievements.
Markus competed many times over the years but only ever secured two top place positions and is often considered as very underrated.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Being An Endomorph?
An endomorph bodybuilder will likely encounter challenges that the other main body types do not.
Here are some of the common issued faced by an endomorph:
Hard Time Losing Weight
Endomorphs tend to have a lower metabolic rate, making it harder to lose weight and maintain a healthy body composition.
Fat loss is usually achieved with a strict nutrition plan.
In respect of bodybuilders, it’s still important to keep their caloric intake high to conserve muscle gains.
Increased Health Risks
An excess in body fat can increase the risk of certain health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Endomorphs need to be especially mindful of their diet and exercise habits to reduce these risks.
Insulin Levels
Endomorphs may have higher insulin levels, which can make it harder to lose weight and build muscle.
It is important to eat a balanced diet that regulates insulin levels and supports your fitness goals.
Training for Endomorphs
The right training program is important for all body types, but especially an endomorph.
Strength Training
Weight training is an essential part of building muscle and losing fat.
For an endomorph, a workout plan combining of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training is sometimes recommended.
HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise, followed by brief periods of rest.
This type of training can help to burn fat and increase muscle size at the same time.
Strength training should involve heavy lifting which can help to pack on muscle mass, whilst light weight is better for lean muscle mass.
It’s also a good idea to focus on compound exercises, such as the bench press, squats, and deadlifts.
Nutrition
For endomorphs, nutrition is particularly important.
Focus on a balanced diet with whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid excessive calorie intake.
When preparing for a competition, an endomorph bodybuilder would consume more calories than they burn to gain the most amount of muscle.
They’ll also tend to eat smaller meals and more often rather than three large meals.
Frequency and Duration
An endomorph should typically train 5 to 6 times per week with an emphasis on shorter training periods but lifting heavy weights.
Cardio should also be done daily, with the best form being a 30-minute HIIT session to burn the most amount of fat but helping to retain that hard earned muscle.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, training as an endomorph bodybuilder can be challenging, but it is possible.
As referenced in this article, some of the most famous bodybuilders have been of endomorph or an endomorph mix and have gone on to become hugely successful in the sport of bodybuilding.
If you yourself are looking to get into bodybuilding and are an endomorph body type, you should focus on heavy lifting and hiit to build muscle and lose fat.
Also, be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet and keep your workouts challenging but achievable.
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