In the 1940s, William H. Sheldon introduced his theory of
Somatypes in two major works, The Varieties of Human Physique
(1940) and The Varieties of Human Temperament: A Psychology
of constitutional Differences (1941). His theory proposed
three basic body types and associated them with a sets of
personality characteristics. Today, Sheldon's description
of three body types has become central to much of the literature
in weight loss, exercise and body-building.
This system defines three distinct categories of human bodies:
the endomorph, characterized by a preponderance of bodyfat;
the mesomorph, marked by a well-developed musculature; and
the ectomorph, distinguished by a lack of either much fat
or muscle tissue. These differences were, of course, not exact
in every body, and individuals can rate themselves for the
three dimensions of body type they possess.
Ectomorphs are generally small-framed and thin. Their shoulders and hips
are generally narrow. They have trouble gaining weight and
building muscle. Ectomorphs should do enough cardio exercise
to work their heart and lungs but not so much if they are
concerned about building muscle and maintaining weight. Weight
workouts should be on the heavier side if the goal is to build
muscle. Weight training the upper body is helpful to keep
proportions more even. Generally, lighter weights and more
reps do the trick.
Mesomorphs tend to be of normal weight, neither fat nor skinny. They
tend to pack on muscle easily and can lose weight easily up
to a certain point. It is hard for them to become "skinny."
Generally, their shoulders are wider than their hips. Mesomorphs
should do longer-duration, higher-intensity cardio work if
the goal is to lose weight. Building muscle is easy, but if
the goal is not to gain size then moderately heavier weights
and higher reps will be the way to go during weight-training
sessions.
Endomorphs tend to have a soft skinned body that is pear-shaped, meaning
their hips are usually wider than their shoulders. They gain
weight easily and tend to be curvier than the other body types,
as well as having trouble losing weight. Tend to have an over-developed
digestive system.
Most of us aren't purely one body type or another; we are
a combination of at least two.
Whatever your body composition, it should never diminish
your ability to enjoy your running.
View further articles under the Physiology section:
Skeletal Muscle Physiology