The term somatotype is
used in the system of classification of human physical types developed by U.S.
psychologist W.H.
Sheldon. In Sheldon’s system, human beings can be classified as to body
build in terms of three extreme body types: endomorphic,
or round, fat type; mesomorphic,
or muscular type; and ectomorphic,
or slim, linear type. A somatotype number of three digits is determined for an
individual classified by the system, with the first digit referring to
endomorphy, the second to mesomorphy, and the third to ectomorphy; each digit
is on a scale of 1 to 7. Hence, the extreme endomorph
has the somatotype 711, the extreme mesomorph
171, and the extreme ectomorph
117. The classification numbers are negatively correlated, so that a high
number in one class precludes high numbers in the others; in practice, extreme
types (711, 171, 117) are rare or nonexistent, and the person of normal build
has a somatotype approaching 444, evenly balanced between extremes.
Success as an athlete comes from a
combination of athletic ability and our body build. The three components of
body build are type, size and composition. A system, developed by W.H. Sheldon,
uses the terms ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph to describe the body build of
an individual. People are born with an inherited body type based on skeletal
frame and body composition. Most people are unique combinations of the three
body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and
endomorph.
Sheldon evaluated the degree a body
type was present on a 1 to 7 scale where 1 is the minimum and 7 is the maximum.
All athletes are made up of the
three extreme body types so we are all part endomorph, part mesomorph and part
ectomorph. Using a score of one to seven, we can grade our bodies on each of
the extreme body types. e.g. two, six, three means: two (low endomorphy); six
(high mesomorphy); three (low ectomorphy). In this way, we can compare our body
type with that of other athletes. This method of body typing is known as
somatotyping - height is not taken into consideration.
The "perfect" bodybuilder
would perhaps be a 173, while 475 might be better suited for football, and 147
a basketball player. Having scores in multiple body types, for instance the
football player's 475, does not mean he has all of the traits of each body type
mixed together. It may mean he has the heavy thick build of the Endomorph
combined with superior musculature and strength of the Mesomorph, with the
above average height of the Ectomorph.
Endomorph
It is a human physical type
(somatotype) tending toward roundness, as determined by the
physique-classification system developed by American psychologist W.H. Sheldon.
The extreme endomorph has a body as nearly globular as humanly possible; he has
a round head, a large, round abdomen, large internal organs relative to his
size, rather short arms and legs with fat upper arms and thighs, but slender
wrists and ankles. Under normal conditions the endormorphic individual has a
great deal of body fat, but he is not simply a fat person; if starved, he
remains an endomorph, only thinner.
Characteristics
of Endomorph (711)
|
An endomorphic individual typically
has short arms and legs and a large amount of mass on their frame. Their mass
hampers their ability to compete in sports requiring high levels of agility
or speed
and perform sustained weight bearing aerobic
activities such as running. Sports of pure strength,
like power lifting, are perfect for an endomorph. They can gain weight easily
and lose condition quickly if training stops.
Mesomorph
It is a human physical type
(somatotype) that is marked by greater than average muscular development, as
determined by the physique-classification system developed by American
psychologist W.H.
Sheldon. Although the Sheldon system of classification does not make
absolute distinctions between types, a person is classed as a mesomorph if
mesomorphy predominates over endomorphy and ectomorphy in his body build. The
extreme mesomorph has a square, massive head; broad, muscular chest and
shoulders; a large heart; heavily muscled arms and legs; and minimal body fat.
He tends to develop muscle easily. His muscular development can usually be
distinguished from that of one who has developed his muscles through
body-building exercises.
Characteristics of
Mesomorph (171)
|
A mesomorphic individual excels in
strength, agility, and speed. Their medium structure and height, along with
their tendency to gain muscle and strength easily makes them a strong candidate
for a top athlete in any sport. They can sustain low body fat levels and find
it easy to lose and gain weight.
Ectomorph
It is human physical type
(somatotype) tending toward linearity, as determined by the
physique-classification system developed by the American psychologist W.H.
Sheldon. Although classification by the Sheldon system is not absolute, a
person is classed as an ectomorph if ectomorphy predominates over endomorphy
and mesomorphy in his body build. The extreme ectomorph has a thin face with
high forehead and receding chin; narrow chest and abdomen; a narrow heart;
rather long, thin arms and legs; little body fat and little muscle; but a large
skin surface and a large nervous
system. If well fed, he does not gain weight easily; if he
becomes fat, he is still considered an ectomorph, only overweight.
Characteristics of
Ectomorph (117)
|
A predominantly ectomorphic
individual is long, slender and thin, and therefore power and strength sports
are perhaps not suitable as their slight build leaves them susceptible to
injuries. While they can easily get lean and hard, their lack of musculature
severely limits their chances in sports requiring mass. Ectomorphs dominate
endurance sports and gymnastics. They can archive low levels of body fat
which can be detrimental to health and for females in endurance sports it can
result in a cessation of periods
and iron deficiency.
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