Body typing was developed in 1940 by psychologist William H. Sheldon, "Health" magazine reports. He pursued a theory that body shape determined personality and developed the three basic types after scouring thousands of photographs. Though the personality theory didn't pan out, the differences Sheldon noted among the body types have proved to be useful to nutritionists and exercise physiologists.
Three Basic Body Shapes
Sheldon saw three body types, according to "Health": ectomorphs, endomorphs and mesomorphs. "Ectomorphs have lean bodies; they're built like sticks." Endomorphs are voluptuous: "Their bodies hoard fat, favoring the hips and thighs as storage sites." They are usually pear-shaped. Finally, "Health" explains, "mesomorphs are born with the ability to build muscle quickly and burn fat easily." They have a V-shape and tend to be muscular. Some people are mixtures of two types.
Body Shape and Weight
Ectomorphs can have a hard time gaining weight. "An ectomorph's muscles, if visible at all, are long and thin," notes "Health." Building muscle for them is challenging. Endomorphs, on the other hand, store their weight in their hips and constantly battle "the bulge." Meanwhile, because mesomorphs build muscle easily, their "muscle fibers get thicker in response to any workout. Even a game of racquetball or light weightlifting can lead to muscularity."
Activities Fit for Each Shape
An ectomorph's slight build "lends itself to distance running, fitness walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking." Most ectomorphs find stretching activities such as yoga and Pilates rewarding due to their flexibility. Because of the muscle also found around the hips of endomorphs, in-line skating, swimming, dancing, and snow skiing suit them. Muscular mesomorphs excel in most sports, but tennis, basketball, and soccer, kickboxing or martial arts suit their body type.
Improving Individual Shape
Ectomorphs lack curves, so full-body activities such as swimming or rowing can round them out with muscle. Weight training may provide the definition and tone they may seek. For endomorphs, long-distance, low-impact exercise will burn off extra fat and slim the hips. Incorporating a little upper-body strength training may help them balance out bottom-heaviness. Mesomorphs should be careful when weight training to avoid overdeveloping specific muscle groups, which can make them look out of proportion.
Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.
References
- "Health" magazine; Exercise That Fits Your Body; Kimberly Wong; April 2001
- Weight Loss for All: Body Types and Weight Loss
- "Health" magazine; Want to Reshape Your Body?; Susan Freinkel: September 1999
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