Key Characteristics and Advantages of Mesomorphs
The body and mind have always been studied together since ancient times. In the indigenous system of Ayurveda dating back centuries, we have the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha which describes the physical and psychological characteristics of a human being with any of the doshas as a dominant part of their physiology and psychology.
In the Western system, one such attempt was made by William Sheldon, an American psychologist to describe types of the human body based on an amalgamation of physiology and psychology. Accordingly, he classified the human body into somatotypes known as the ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph. He was criticized for not having a sample size that was representative enough for generalization. However, this system is widely studied even today.
As per the somatotype, different traits could be identified in a person. For instance, Sheldon said that endomorphs with their short and round figures tend to be soft-natured, relaxed and extroverted as personalities. He called it a “viscerotonic” personality. Ectomorphs with their thin and lanky stature were thought to have a “cerebrotonic” personality which meant that they were quite the introverted, sensitive thinkers.
Coming to the Mesomorph, they were thought to be dynamic and agile people with an ideal physique.They exhibit a balanced metabolism rate which makes this type easier to adapt to weight training and cardiovascular training. They are characterized by broad shoulders, large heads, narrow waistlines and a muscular chest, arms and legs.
Mesomorph Body Type
The human body has different types of structural appearance based on its physique and psychological makeup. William Sheldon, a famous American psychologist, and physician developed a classification system of the human body based on physiology and psychology. The human body was classified into three body types or somatotypes, namely endomorph, ectomorph, and mesomorph. He later used this classification system to explain the delinquent behavior of humans. Although his research was of the avant-garde, it was criticized over the fact that his samples were not quite representative. In this article, we will learn about the mesomorph, out of the three somatotypes as classified by Sheldon.
Body Types- Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph
According to the classification of the somatotypes by Sheldon, various traits have been observed in the body shapes. Endomorphs have a round and soft stature. They mainly tend to possess a “viscerotonic” personality which implies that they are generally relaxed, comfortable and extroverted. Ectomorphs on the other hand are thin and fine-boned. They are said to tend towards a “cerebrotonic” personality which implies that they are introverted, thoughtful, inhibited, and sensitive. A person is said to have a mesomorph body type if mesomorphy is dominant over endomorph and ectomorph in his body.
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Mesomorph Meaning
A mesomorph tends to develop muscles quite easily. Mesomorph refers to a body type that is characterized by strong muscles. Some references describe the somatotype with wide shoulders, long arms, and a narrow waist. A mesomorph body type has a large osteopathic structure, comparatively large muscles, and a naturally good physique. Mesomorphs are marked by greater muscular development. An example of a mesomorphic person would be a weightlifter or a runner. Mesomorphs generally rank high in speed, strength, endurance, and agility. A typical mesomorph body type is characterized by a hard and muscular body with mature muscle mass. An adult mesomorphic female resembles the shape of an hourglass whereas that of an adult male body is rectangular. The mesomorphs have an excellent posture.
Mesomorphs can also be distinguished from the other somatotypes by their broad shoulders, narrow hips, and comparatively large head. They have thick skin and very little body fat even though they gain fat more easily than the ectomorphs. They also gain muscles so easily that even the digits are muscled. The mesomorphs generally possess a “somatogenic” personality. They are quite active and dynamic in their field. Their assertiveness and aggressiveness can be seen in their intentions and works. The one who has developed the muscles through various body-building exercises can be distinguished from the muscular development of a mesomorph.
Advantages of Being a Mesomorph
Somatotypes often explain how we have a genetic physical predisposition to a certain physique, fat to muscle ratio, and stature. That’s why we require different types of training and various nutritional demands. Mesomorphs respond very well to cardiovascular and resistance training. The endurance and agility level are pretty high. They can even sustain low body fat levels. The muscle growth rate in the case of mesomorphs is epic. As a result, all the muscle groups can be used to derive positive training adoptions. Mesomorphs can easily lose or gain weight depending upon the sports or the activities. The extreme mesomorph body type usually has a massive square-shaped head accompanied by a muscular chest and shoulders. In addition to this, they have a large heart, heavily muscled arms and legs, and minimal body fat.
Did You know?
Some famous athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Anna Kournikova, Andre Agassi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Venus Williams, and lots more are mesomorphs.
The mesomorph body type is best suitable for weight training. Gains are observed very quickly, especially for beginners. A combination of weight training and cardio is best suited for mesomorphs.
FAQs on Mesomorph Body Type in Biology
1. What are the main characteristics of a mesomorph body type?
A mesomorph body type is primarily characterised by a naturally athletic and muscular frame. Key features include broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a well-defined musculature. They tend to have a medium bone structure and a body that is efficient at building muscle and maintaining a low body fat percentage. Males often exhibit a rectangular or V-shaped torso, while females may have an hourglass figure.
2. How can one identify if they have a mesomorph body type?
You might have a mesomorph body type if you notice the following tendencies:
- You gain muscle relatively easily with resistance training.
- You have a naturally athletic build, even with minimal training.
- Your body fat percentage tends to stay low, and you don't gain weight easily.
- You generally have good posture and strength.
It's a general classification, and many people have characteristics of more than one body type.
3. What are the key differences between mesomorph, ectomorph, and endomorph body types?
The three somatotypes differ mainly in their metabolism and body composition. Ectomorphs are typically lean and long, with a fast metabolism, making it hard for them to gain muscle or fat. Endomorphs have a larger frame and a slower metabolism, leading them to gain fat more easily. Mesomorphs are in the middle; they have a balanced metabolism, a naturally muscular build, and can gain or lose weight with relative ease depending on their diet and exercise.
4. How does a mesomorph's body respond to diet and exercise compared to other somatotypes?
A mesomorph's body is highly responsive to both diet and exercise. Due to their efficient metabolism and natural propensity for muscle growth, they see results from weight training more quickly than an ectomorph. Compared to an endomorph, a mesomorph can lose fat more effectively with cardiovascular exercise and a controlled diet. This balanced response makes their physique highly adaptable to various fitness goals.
5. What type of workout is most effective for a mesomorph?
The most effective workout for a mesomorph combines both cardiovascular and resistance training. Because they build muscle easily, moderate-to-heavy resistance training (3-4 days a week) helps enhance their natural strength. Incorporating cardiovascular exercise (2-3 days a week), such as running or cycling, is important for maintaining a lean physique and preventing fat gain. Variety and consistency are key to optimising their athletic potential.
6. What does an ideal diet plan for a mesomorph look like?
An ideal diet for a mesomorph should be well-balanced, with macronutrients split fairly evenly. A focus on lean protein (like chicken, fish, beans, and eggs) is crucial to support muscle repair and growth. This should be complemented by complex carbohydrates (like oats, quinoa, and vegetables) for sustained energy and healthy fats (like avocados and nuts) for overall health. Their efficient metabolism allows for a moderate caloric intake to maintain their physique.
7. Can a mesomorph gain excessive fat or become 'skinny'?
Yes, despite their genetic advantages, a mesomorph's body composition is heavily influenced by lifestyle. If a mesomorph consumes a high-calorie diet with excess processed foods and leads a sedentary lifestyle, they can absolutely gain significant body fat. Conversely, with prolonged calorie restriction and a lack of protein or resistance training, they can lose muscle mass and appear 'skinny'. Their body type is a predisposition, not a fixed state.
8. What did Sheldon's historical constitutional theory suggest about the mesomorph personality?
The constitutional theory proposed by William Sheldon in the 1940s linked body types (somatotypes) to personality traits. According to this theory, mesomorphs were associated with a 'somatotonic' temperament. This personality was described as being adventurous, assertive, competitive, and courageous. It is important to understand that this theory is now considered outdated and lacks strong scientific support in modern biology and psychology.
9. Is the concept of fixed somatotypes like 'mesomorph' a strict rule in modern biology?
No, the concept of three distinct, fixed somatotypes is not considered a strict rule in modern biology. While it's a useful, simple framework for understanding general body tendencies, most individuals are a combination of all three types rather than purely one. Modern science recognises that body composition is a complex interplay of genetics, hormonal balance, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, which provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding than a single somatotype label.
