I'm very slim. Does this mean I'll have more difficulty building muscle?

[itsallover]

My body type is an ectomorph, and I've heard from many sources this body type usually has difficulty building muscle. Is it true for all ectomorphs? I'm going to join the gym soon to increase muscle mass on my legs - will my slenderness hinder my progress? I also have a fast metabolism if that makes any difference.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

There is no such thing. Somatotypes are complete bullshit.

Eat a surplus of 200-500 calories, do high volume resistance, and you'll see gains similar to any other woman (regardless of their somatotype).

"hard-gainers" don't exist. Muscle takes a long time to build up for everyone. Those who think they, particularly, are hard gainers, are just bias people too naive to know what they did wrong, or too arrogant to believe it.

[atomique]

Maybe. I am the same way. No matter how much I workout out or protein I take I don't bulk up easily. My brother on the other hand bulks up easily. Going to the gym will make you stronger but I you are anything like me you won't get huge muscles.

[Zigzagz]

You have to build mass to build muscle mass, but you can build strength without necessarily building muscle mass.

[itsallover]

Oh so you mean I would have to gain weight in fat first?

[Zigzagz]

kinda. you gotta have fat, carbs and protein and your muscle will grow bigger

[itsallover]

Thanks for your help :)

[SuperNurse42]

You will be slower to build muscle, but when you ectomorphs manage to do it somehow, it looks awesome.

[Ghosty]

I second @NotJustAnotherGuy opinion.
I have a VERY fast metabolism too. There's only one thing you can do. EAT. then eat more. And then eat again.

[Maazin]

With a proper nutrition and a qualified trainer that should never be a problem.

[Anonymous]

It's harder for a girl to build muscle than it is for a guy. Having a fast metabolism means you will need to eat heaps of healthy food too