INTPs...do you lift weights?

[Sixup]

It seems like a lot of INTPs (or maybe it's just the ones on these forums) are predisposed against lifting weights. I was when I was a kid. But when I was 19 I started playing around with Parkour, and one of the top guys recommended you lift and get strong enough to protect your joints. He recommended a book called "Starting Strength" to start out.

This seemed logical so I checked it out. Wow there's a lot more to this than just meatheads slamming weights. You need to analyze your technique, the variables in your training routine (Ti functions), and ensure your mindset is right.

Anyway I started immediately and now really enjoy the training in itself. It's almost like meditation (something I've dabbled with and definitely want to do more of, need to get on that...).

I've really enjoyed testing myself with it and the bodily experiment that it is (Si function). You just have to get past the other people in the gym...just smile and nod. You know, the usual. And headphones might be key. Although I like to go without music to really make it just me and the weight, total focus. Problem is if you're too nice people always want to try to talk to you. I had a garage gym at one point, which was ideal. Training alone + my preferred music on the speakers, yes.

Plus there's the health benefits which are undeniable, especially as you age. I don't want to be struggling to stand up off the toilet at 70.

My point is...lifting weights might actually be a good fit for INTPs. We can use our Ti to set up logical, effective routines, but also it can help us develop our Si while we do it. Just try not to overthink it... ;-)

Anyone else lift? Thoughts?

 

[Sixup]

Oh and another thing I just thought of...how Ne plays a part in it. We can use Ne to bring together the different training philosophies --yes there are many training philosophies for you to get hung up on and think about way too much--and eventually, hopefully, come up with our own methods and philosophies that work best for us.

 

[Sinny91]

I don't lift weights per se, as I'm a woman, not seeking to body build.
I do lift weights occasionally as a top-up to my work out routine... Which I have not kept up with for the last 6 months.

Apart from my current break from the gym, I usually box.
I find that the boxing fitness routine help strengthen my core where I suffer with a slipped disk.
After 6 months of training however, I start looking quite buff so I have to stop for a month or two and then start again.

 

[Inquisitor]

Yeah I lift. Not heavy weights though. Not looking to get huge, and too difficult to do anyway with my metabolism. I've tried and failed many times while stuffing myself with loads of white pasta and milk/meat. It's just too hard on my digestive system and it requires lifting heavily and eating more to maintain all the extra muscle. I lift to maintain bone structure and musculature instead. Starting Strength is an excellent book indeed. Learning how to properly squat has changed my life. Apparently I'm the only one at the gym besides the trainers who knows how to do it right. I cringe when I see most guys lifting. They sacrifice proper technique for higher loads. Never a good thing in the long run. I actually haven't finished reading the book yet. The author is awfully verbose...

One thing I have discovered though is that lifting w/o regular stretching can be very detrimental. It's annoying, but I've found it's really important to stretch after every lifting session, especially legs/hamstrings/shoulders. Yoga helps make this more systematic and also helps improve posture and spinal alignment.

 

[EditorOne]

Usually if I want some weights lifted I manage to talk someone else into doing it.


Seriously, though, I did lift free weights when I was younger, in college, and had a roommate who thought weight lifting was the answer to all life's problems. Over the course of a year I grew impressive muscles and coincidentally increased the speed of my fastball, but after that year I didn't pursue it. A lifetime of physical activity has kept me in reasonable shape, but let me warn you that sometimes genetics overtake exercise as you get older and nothing keeps you from worn-out cartilage, arthritis and other conditions. And I know a couple of pro athletes whose over-building and deliberate weight gain contributed to ACL tears and other problems while they were still in the game. Kind of like they had so much horsepower they stripped the transmission.

 

[Deleted member 1424]

Inconsistently.

I enjoy it.

 

[Sir Eus Lee]

I find doing flips more interesting than lifting heavy metal objects over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. This is why I freerun. Backflips>weightlifting in terms of fun in my opinion.

I have a pretty big build, so if I lifted weights, I would get massive, but I don't want to. I prefer just being fit, so doing flips/parkour is good enough for me.

 

[Lot]

Used to. I can't with my rib injury. Every time I've tried to start back up, I end up completely re-injuring myself. So I sit here slowly wasting away.

 

[Gather_Wanderer]

Oh and another thing I just thought of...how Ne plays a part in it. We can use Ne to bring together the different training philosophies --yes there are many training philosophies for you to get hung up on and think about way too much--and eventually, hopefully, come up with our own methods and philosophies that work best for us.

Exactly what I've done.

I haven't been much into lifting recently but I do have a lot of gym experience over the last 7 years. Main motivation was the always fitting the skinny nerdy stereotype basically, as well as my personal doubts about ever weighing more than a toothpick. I learned a lot the first few months, found a great group of guys to tag along, and changed my body completely. Probably took me about six months the first year to dramatically change my look. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it really does feel great to accomplish set goals in there and the discipline leaks over into other areas of your life.

I've been in and out the last few years because I travel A LOT more than I used to for science and business but whenever I feel like it I can go a consistent two months and get in good shape again. Done it several times after being very consistent the first 3 years. I don't follow a strict regimen anymore because I've learned so much. I sort of freestyle it when I walk in but know how to do everything. Consistency and efficient time spent are most important to gains.

Would recommend to those who have never.

 

[Gather_Wanderer]

I find doing flips more interesting than lifting heavy metal objects over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. This is why I freerun. Backflips>weightlifting in terms of fun in my opinion.

I have a pretty big build, so if I lifted weights, I would get massive, but I don't want to. I prefer just being fit, so doing flips/parkour is good enough for me.

That's awesome. I used to do flips when I was a kid with my older brother but I wasn't ever great at it.

 

[Inquisitor]

I have a pretty big build, so if I lifted weights, I would get massive, but I don't want to. I prefer just being fit, so doing flips/parkour is good enough for me.

Just based on this, I would reconsider whether you are INTP. My money is on ISTP. INTPs with "big builds" do not exist. Tall is one thing, but large almost always puts you into the sensor camp.

 

[Brontosaurie]

i laft 5 kg a couple times. it didn't make me look better so i quit.

 

[crippli]

I tried it over a few times when I was around 14-16. So yes. I've lifted weights. But not many times.

 

[Sixup]

Yeah there's a big myth that because you lift, you're gonna get hy00ge.

But not necessarily.

You can get relatively strong via lifting without gaining size. Keep your diet the same, and you won't get bigger. Simple as that.

You might "recomp", losing some fat, gaining muscle. Like a small amount. But you're not going to get massive without gaining a ton of weight...which would be very hard and not something that just accidentally happens. "Oh shit, suddenly I just woke up as the hulk" Nope.

I do like stretching as well. My body just feels better when I stretch. Plus sitting at a desk for way too long causes stuff to get extra tight. I wish I could afford one of those perfectly ergonomic sit/stand desks with a sweet adjustable chair, but don't have the funds or the space for that.

 

[JimJambones]

Lifted weights when I was younger, not very enjoyable, prefer reading while walking.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_lNTiw97S8

 

[Mani]

I tried to get into it. I found it repetitive and boring. I like it as an add-on to martial arts though.

 

[Valentas]

I started this March with Strong Lifts and would say that lifting weights is one of the few decisions that had no drawbacks as of yet.

Initially, the inspiration for starting lifting routine came from a couple of friends and my overall interest in improving my mind because healthy body hosts healthy mind. Hence, I was intrigued to explore this as a side project and decided to commit no matter what. Also, I saw how one of the shy dudes we hang out with became a lot more confident when he put on some muscle, had more attention from girls, became more disciplined which led to better grades at university and described his life to improve in other areas apart from physique.

Weightlifting also reveals how fucked up you are structurally from all this sedentary lifestyle and you start to feel the weakness of your body. It scared me to be honest. So, I watched proper form videos, went to the gym and could not squat deep enough. I felt horribly. Obviously, I lacked flexibility. So I went on the mighty Internet and there I started to educate myself on how to fix imbalances. It is a hard and long road ahead. The stiffness from previous lifestyle is not possible to amend in several days. However, I persevered for a month or so and made tremendous progress in strength, flexibility. Once you feel your strength building up, your joints moving more freely, once you can sit in third-world squat for minutes at a time without your hip flexors screaming uncle, then it becomes addicting. Just like going through lots of boring stuff before you can program something real with programming skills. The results fascinate you and you start to wonder what the future will yield if you continue improving.

It is not about physique only though. We as humans still operate mostly on primal level. We admire people who are beautiful, strong, smart and hard-working. INTPs tend to lack social skills, discipline and physique to be taken seriously. Improving your physique will make you more beautiful, stronger, smarter and will improve the discipline, motivations and ability to follow through in other areas of your life: relationships, career and education. Your confidence will increase, hence if you used to be a basement dweller due to social anxiety, you will be treated better than in the past(you still need to to muster courage and follow through on meeting and talking to random people). As your social skills improve, confidence once again is boosted and new opportunities spring up for you to take advantage of. In your career, let's say a programmer like me, you are different from others: muscular, hard-working, disciplined and apparently have social skills from that initial confidence boost after lifting. I believe you can see advantage for your advancement in your field as well...

Benefits spill over to relationships as well because you are better socially, have defined physique, moving up the career ladder - overall a high quality individual. Can you say that this enables you to select a high quality significant other as well? What about friends who leave you or you leave them once they fail to keep you at their level? New more ambitious friends.

Now, I know people who experienced all of this, I am not at this stage yet but weightlifting became a habit to me and benefits to my body, mind and interacting with others convinced me to continue.

 

[WALKYRIA]

i am naturally well built and have no inclination towards getting fat.... why would i go lift.
practicing an intense sport is imo, a much better and natural way to get a good body.(plus other healthy pros).

 

[Sixup]

Well said Valentas.

 

[Perfectly Normal Beast]

i do a little but obviously not enough to risk appearing in any way masculine. plus i'd really hate to be famous so it's good to know it will give me better chance should i have to fight off any rapists

 

[Ex-User (9086)]

I prefer lifting books.

 

[Minuend]

I used to be a bit muscle-y back when I was working in a factory, running and lifting all day. It felt really nice being able to lift things with ease and being self sufficient in that area. Generally being able to carry heavier things longer distances. It also feels nicer just being in your body. The feel of your every day body.

Working out enough to look masculine is nearly impossible for females. I guess it depends slightly on where you draw the line masculine/ feminine, but you wont see much bulgy bulky huge women even when they lift several times a week.

I lost all my muscles and is somewhat underweight after being a bit ill, but I do notice I miss being fit when I write about it. I do want to start getting back to shape, but I have a tendency to forget doing the exercises
I definitively feel more weaker and frail now compared to a couple of years ago.

 

[Brontosaurie]

i prefer lifting things lighter than air, it's easier

never understood going for the heavier weights - if, as they say, "lifting" is the purpose

 

[Yellow]

I add 3-7 pound wrist/ankle weights to my usual tai-chi and belly dancing routines from time to time, but I have no real fitness goals except to avoid the atrophy that would accompany a sedentary lifestyle.

 

[eagor]

i actually started recently, not to get physically fit in of itself but as a way to buffer the impact bootcamp will have on my body. way i see it i'll have enough trouble dealing with the new environment without also having to whip my flabby ass into shape, and as they say "an ounce of prevention, or a pound of cure".

 

[Reluctantly]

I do different types of sit ups, pushups, pullups, sometimes with added weight. Ive got the perfect pushup thingies. I like them. But it's for at-home fitness and because I think the gym is a waste of time. I just want to stay fit with minimal time investment.

 

[Polaris]

Someone convinced me to do it and I built a muscle. Then I got scared

 

[Sixup]

Someone convinced me to do it and I built a muscle.

Just one?

 

[eagor]

Someone convinced me to do it and I built a muscle. Then I got scared

Just one?

which one? was it your left glute?

 

[Polaris]

Just one?

which one? was it your left glute?

Seriously, I discovered the highly responsive adaptability of the physique when I was working as a cleaner to support my studies.

We were using these wide mop-things in repetitive circular motions every day. One day I suddenly discovered my left upper arm had this new feature - a bicep. To this day, my left arm is still stronger than my right.

Anyway, I did martial arts for quite a few years and had already discovered the benefit of exercise as a means to focus. The thing is, it becomes addictive, and when I had to give it up because I moved to a new town, I nearly had a crisis. But I kept up with the kata exercises and the meditations.

Later on I was introduced to rock climbing (I was very reluctant to begin with), but quickly realised how similar that was to martial arts. If any sport would apply to Ti, rock climbing is it. After a long day of climbing somewhere in the mountains I would lie in my sleeping bag and analyse every route where I had met challenges, and attempt to manipulate moves in my mind through visualising the problems. The best part was when you could find someone to analyse the problems with. Most of my rock climbing mates were ISTPs, so you could indulge in some analytical talk with them.

Recently I have started climbing again with my partner who is INTP. Like me he was a little "meh" about it and then got absolutely hooked after one or two visits to the climbing gym. I think our record for analysing climbing routes is three hours of non-stop talking.

So the routine is we go to the gym, climb a few routes in our own deconstructive manner (we don't aspire to get to the top no matter what, the important part is the process and the many different techniques one can apply to get through the problems gracefully and without expending unnecessary energy) through trying and re-trying, coming back down and discussing other ways of getting through a particularly difficult sequence, trying again, coming back down and re-assessing, etc. It is probably quite puzzling to other people watching these two somewhat un-athletic weirdos going half way up and down the wall, talking obsessively in low voices for a few minutes, then repeating the process...

We have both concluded that it is a highly mental activity which requires full concentration and focus on the challenges in the moment without engaging active thinking. The thinking comes afterwards when you analyse where you went wrong, and why. Great physical fitness is essential (I know, dhuh - but we had to go through the whole deconstructive process to arrive at the obvious conclusion) because it enables you to move through the challenges without resistance, which again gives you a confidence boost --> liberation from intrusive thinking that wastes precious time and puts you in a state of doubt --> 100% reliance on intuition --> the body does what it is meant to do as it is now possibly influenced by what researchers refer to as Gamma waves.

I personally have experienced this state as if there is something else controlling me. Almost as if my physical being is doing 80% of the processing and the rest is happening on a sub-conscious level in my mind. It is in this state that I have been able to do things to absolute perfection, whether it concerns producing A-level papers, painting a picture, handling stressful situations or climbing a wall of rock.

For those who are not already aware of it I would recommend reading The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler. There is a certain state of mind that enables "extreme" athletes to do things that are considered impossible. Researchers are currently looking into the science of it to understand how this state can be accessed without subjecting oneself to extreme challenges. This state of mind is also what is commonly referred to as "Flow" - a state that enables optimal concentration and focus and thus produces amazing results, whether they are physical or intellectual.

 

[addictedartist]

I push people around.The bigger they are; the harder you push

 

[Hadoblado]

Just based on this, I would reconsider whether you are INTP. My money is on ISTP. INTPs with "big builds" do not exist. Tall is one thing, but large almost always puts you into the sensor camp.

heh when I read the OP I thought to myself "accusation of sensor in 3... 2... 1..". You went above and beyond. My experience actually mirrors yours, having never met anyone that was definitively INTP while also having a large build - but I don't meet many definitive INTPs. I'd be surprised if a whole bunch of those bathtub sized IT nerds weren't INTP though.

It'd make a decent hypothesis, but an actual criteria for being INTP? Not without evidence that goes beyond personal experience.

I personally don't enjoy lifting, though I spend a lot of time trying to convince myself I do. I don't see much in it that's INTPesque either, but it's not mutually exclusive. Healthy habits benefit everyone regardless of type.

 

[redbaron]

I prefer to be referred to as bulbous than as "bathtub sized" thank you very much Hadoblado.

 

[Yellow]

I personally don't enjoy lifting, though I spend a lot of time trying to convince myself I do. I don't see much in it that's INTPesque either, but it's not mutually exclusive. Healthy habits benefit everyone regardless of type.

I think it's quite possible for an INTP to be into weightlifting. First, there is the personal experimentation, and nearly infinite room for thinking ahead while never needing to plan ahead. Second, working out gives you time to zone out and think quietly to yourself. In fact, a lot of people exercise regularly (myself included) for the "alone time". Third, unlike actual sports, weightlifting can be done on a much more flexible schedule. Don't feel like lifting today? No big deal. Want to work on legs? Great. Still awake at 2am? Perfect, the gym will be empty. You even get the flexibility of trying to find new and interesting ways to lift, to make the work practical, and find improvisations that make buying expensive equipment and being around others (at the gym) unnecessary.

While I can't relate with the actual lifting of heavy weights, I do follow these ideas myself with my fitness. With significant experimentation, I've found that the alternation of tai-chi and belly dance allows me to keep my muscles lean, it allows for strength-endurance (for what little strength I have), and I've been able to sculpt my shape into the shape I want. I think that's why I can't figure out my "body type" because I've created my own. It's really cool. Also, I can skip it for a few days without any loss (except slightly in my warm-up stretches), and I can make my own schedule.

 

[Seteleechete]

I hate pretty much all training, it's repetitive and mind numbing. Dancing and martial arts are the only once I even remotely consider picking up. I actually think I can get into dancing if I give it a try. That said I do intend to figure out something to maintain a basic physique, as soon as I figure out what training has the maximum time/reward ratio. I am very much leaning towards a few minutes every few days high intensity exercise on the epileptical training machine.

 

[manishboy]

I do basics: deadlift, squats, etc. It took me to mid-30's before I was consistent. I hate actually doing it, but it takes very little time relative to other forms of exercise, and being strong has helped me avoid the sorts of injuries I suffered as a 20-something flabby desk jockey.

Also, I have a fairly large build and I don't think I'm ISTP. FWIW. The body typing thing seems silly.

 

[Yellow]

I hate pretty much all training, it's repetitive and mind numbing. Dancing and martial arts are the only once I even remotely consider picking up. I actually think I can get into dancing if I give it a try. That said I do intend to figure out something to maintain a basic physique, as soon as I figure out what training has the maximum time/reward ratio. I am very much leaning towards a few minutes every few days high intensity exercise on the epileptical training machine.

I think you unearthed another argument for dancing/martial arts, which is being able to do it on a whim. I suppose you can't do that with weightlifting. I've never thought "man, this song has the perfect rhythm for bicep curls, let's pick up a dumbbell and see where this goes!"

 

[Sinny91]

I agree, weight lifting is mind numbing and repetative.
I prefer exercise that exercises the mind just as much as the body.
Boxing requires thought, dexterity and freedom to move, much like dancing and martial arts.
Stereotypically, the weight lifters who I know aren't the brightest sparks in the box, and they turn to the 'sport' because it's within their capabilities.

 

[JimJambones]

I didn't like how tired my arms get after lifting to exertion. In fact, I don't think it is a good idea to work that hard as it leaves one vulnerable to attack. If I was ever bullied by a weight lifter, I would wait until he was done lifting weights, to such an extent that he could barely lift his own arms, and then I would nerd attack. It's possible that this wouldn't work.

 

[Valentas]

I agree, weight lifting is mind numbing and repetative.
I prefer exercise that exercises the mind just as much as the body.
Boxing requires thought, dexterity and freedom to move, much like dancing and martial arts.
Stereotypically, the weight lifters who I know aren't the brightest sparks in the box, and they turn to the 'sport' because it's within their capabilities.

People do what they are good at. Some excel at physical jobs and suck at abstract stuff. Therefore, they go to do what they are good at or can become good at. It makes you happy. Also, your population of weightlifters is not defining because I have 3 gym bros, 2 of them are software engineers and another is a doctor.

In your defense, weightlifting, i.e. movements itself require to ingrain the movements to muscle memory and then progressively overload. However, the science behind mobility, nutrition and biomechanics is hard and a lot of olympic weightlifters become coaches, very successful ones. So, it is all abstract. You see a guy like Klokov move that weight? He is gifted genetically of course but you can bet that there are dozens of people working behind the scenes who help to produce olympic games winners. It is common to have successful coaches to be ex-pro lifters.

I personally enjoy the research part a lot. If you dig deep, then there is so much brainpower required to understand how muscles and bones work that no wonder there are courses at uni like PhD in biomechanics.

 

[Inquisitor]

heh when I read the OP I thought to myself "accusation of sensor in 3... 2... 1..". You went above and beyond. My experience actually mirrors yours, having never met anyone that was definitively INTP while also having a large build - but I don't meet many definitive INTPs. I'd be surprised if a whole bunch of those bathtub sized IT nerds weren't INTP though.

It'd make a decent hypothesis, but an actual criteria for being INTP? Not without evidence that goes beyond personal experience.

I personally don't enjoy lifting, though I spend a lot of time trying to convince myself I do. I don't see much in it that's INTPesque either, but it's not mutually exclusive. Healthy habits benefit everyone regardless of type.

In my experience, I have never seen an INTP with what could be called a "large build." A) INTPs have one of the fastest metabolisms of all the types, B) they are thin-boned and, C) they tend to dislike physical exercise, although as Yellow said, they are not necessarily averse to all forms of physical activity as long as there's a cerebral component to it. If you violate any of those three characteristics, and you otherwise don't have a preexisting condition, be it genetic or disease, then 99% probability you are not INTP. It's just not possible. Human constitutions, like psychological types, tend to occur in discrete clusters. An INTP will never be endomorphic, because then they wouldn't be INTP. The psychological type/body constitution develop together, never separately. If INTPs do gain weight, it will be around the midsection, but even then, it's not going to change the overall thin look.

Sensors are always bound to be more more well-enveloped, whether in muscle or fat. I can tell who is an ISTP in my CS class now simply by looking at which dudes check sports stats on their laptops. Inevitably, all of them have an overall more developed musculature. They actually enjoy sports/exercise, and they're able to actually put on a decent amount of muscle mass if desired. It's tremendously difficult for an INTP to do the same.

 

[Sixup]

I highly doubt there's any hard rules about personality type as it relates to body type. Smells very fishy to me.

INTPs have the fastest metabolism? How does anyone know that. Have we actually tested this hypothesis? Doubtful. (WOops now I'm gonna get accused of INTJ!)

 

[Latte]

INTPs with "big builds" do not exist. Tall is one thing, but large almost always puts you into the sensor camp.

I've heard there's pretty much a consensus that Bane was an INTP and he was a big guy.

 

[Valentas]

Isn't it more plausible to state that since young INTPs probably did not exercise at all, that results in flabby, underdeveloped physiques? That would be exactly me and I am still small and have a long way to go. My frame and bone structure is smallish as well.

I cannot help but agree that S types have bigger frame and physiques simply because they like to move and exercise more. We have no proof on the fact that being INTP personality correlates with small physique, rather it is exercising in my opinion. Also cannot be proven but to me is more plausible.

 

[INTPWolf]

i need to exercise, but i always find going to the gym painful and monotonous and i far prefer an activity that doesn't only serve to build muscle. like hiking or martial arts. but because i haven't done much of that lately i find myself as thin as a bone.

 

[Inquisitor]

I highly doubt there's any hard rules about personality type as it relates to body type. Smells very fishy to me.

INTPs have the fastest metabolism? How does anyone know that. Have we actually tested this hypothesis? Doubtful. (WOops now I'm gonna get accused of INTJ!)

Look into Amazon.com: Tracking the Elusive Human, Volume 2: An Advanced Guide to the Typological Worlds of C. G. Jung, W.H. Sheldon, Their Integration, and the Biochemical Typology of the Future (9780914073369): Tyra Arraj: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GDJF0H0QL.@@AMEPARAM@@41GDJF0H0QL.

Sheldon pioneered the term "somatotypes," including ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph. But he was far from the first to map out correlations between constitutional types and physical characteristics, personality, etc. Ayurveda pre-dates his discoveries by thousands of years with doshic subtypes, such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. INTPs fall firmly in the Vata camp, or Vata-Pitta. The Ayurvedic descriptions of constitutional types are much more comprehensive than anything else I've yet come across. Of course, Jung himself was well-versed in some of this. My impression is that he had an understanding of the gunas, but I'm not clear whether he was familiar with the Ayurvedic doshas. The gunas include Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, and interestingly, there are 16 different combinations described in ancient texts. I'm still not clear what the relation might be to MBTI, if any. It's my understanding each of the three gunas symbolizes a certain psychological aspect. Google if you like...

 

[Sixup]

I agree that since S types are more drawn towards external physical challenges, sports, they will probably be more likely to actually develop their body. But the idea that because someone is born with a certain natural body type they will automatically be a certain type psychologically, I don't know about that.

There's so many factors that could seemingly throw this off. How much of it is nature vs. nurture? Both the physical type and mental type. I'd imagine personality is probably more genetic than a person's appearance. You really don't get to control the size of your bones. But that doesn't mean a person with a small frame can't get bigger. Lots of skinny people say they have small frames, and lots of fat people say they have big frames. Very convenient. I bet if you actually measured these people the differences would be minuscule or non existent for a majority.

If there is actual data on this from well-structured studies, then I'd be interested to see that. So far what I've seen is people linking together different ideas like you discuss Inquisitor, somatotype, MBTI, Ayurveda. Which is fine, it sure would be a nice tidy thing if they all lined up, but where's the proof? Otherwise it sounds a lot like astrology. Meh.

But I'll have to add that book to my queue...maybe it has some good data.

 

[ENTP lurker]

As an ENTP: no.. no.. no. It is like body torture. I freak out when I feel my body hurt.
Bench pressing is like extreme sport: lots of weight hovering above your head.
How about lifting weights upright position? Your back is at risk. Can you fathom future consequences?

 

[kimmm]

I'm a 24yo 5'2" asian chic and I do lift. I'd rather lift than do cardio. Deadlift 1rm is 170lbs atm. Just lift out of curiosity to find out that the myth of "I don't want to get huge/big/muscular" from women is unreal. It's impossible to get that "muscular" like bodybuilders naturally unless you're on steroids. Toned is the most you could get

 

[JimJambones]

I'd like to see a bodybuilder hold a book upright as long as I can. Yes, I expect they will "tire" and tap out.