Get Fit Slowly

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In the 1940’s, psychologist William Sheldon introduced his research on the linkage between body types and personality traits. Sheldon’s research identified three extreme body types and associated personality traits with each of them. According to Sheldon, most people exhibited characteristics of each body type and also demonstrated the personality characteristics associated with them. Following is a summary of each of the body and mental types described by Sheldon.

Ectomorphic/Ectotonic
The extreme ectomorph is tall and lean. They tend to have very little fat and muscle and have a hard time gaining weight when trying to do so. The typical ectomorph can eat whatever they want and not worry about getting fat as their metabolism tends to burn everything off.

Sheldon associated “ectotonic” personality traits with the ectomorphic body type. Typically, the ectotonic person is private, introverted, and intelligent. He tends to be very sensitive to external stimulation and therefore often seeks quiet, solitary places to spend his time.

Endomorphic/Endotonic
The extreme endomorph is round and squat. They tend to have extra fat and little muscle. Endomorphs find it very easy to gain weight and very difficult to lose weight. Endomorphs who wish to lose weight should couple a sensible nutrition plan with an intense exercise program that emphasizes cardiovascular exercise while mixing in a moderate weight training regimen.

Sheldon associated “endotonic” personality traits with the endomorphic body type. Typically, the endotonic person is social, extroverted, and loves food. He is relaxed and slow moving. He wants people to know how he feels and he desperately wants to be accepted by others. Because of this, he often makes conventional choices so he won’t disappoint anyone. The endotonic’s favorite activity is socializing with friends around an excellent meal.

Mesomorphic/Mesotonic
The extreme mesomorph is hard and angular. They tend to have muscular, athletic builds with just the right amount of fat. Mesomorphs have no problem either gaining or losing weight. They are in tune with their metabolisms and simply eat more to gain weight or eat less to lose it.

Sheldon associated “mesotonic” personality traits with the mesomorphic body type. Typically, the mesotonic person is assertive, competitive and loves to be in the action. He needs and wants to exercise and becomes very restless without it. He enjoys taking risks in both physical and personal situations. Because of this, he if often viewed as driven and single minded. He stays focused on the goal until that goal is achieved–then he moves on to the next one.

It’s important to remember that these are three extreme body and personality types posited by one psychologist. While you may identify with one body type more than the others, most people exhibit some characteristics of all three body types. Similarly, most people exhibit some traits of all three personality types. For a quick, non-scientific, test to determine your body type, check this out.

The images in this post are from a Men’s Total Fitness article on body type, and used without permission.