SOMATOTYPES

What is Somatotyping? Is another word for BODY TYPE. Is a way of describing a body build. Each body type (somatotype) can be classified in 3 ways: 1. Endomorph 2. Mesomorph. 3. Ectomorph.

Body build 3 main components Body size – height compared to weight BMI Body composition –%of fat Body type – muscularity linearity fatness

Other factors to consider Muscle is denser than fat Bone density varies from person to person and is affected by age, gender and race

EXTREME ENDOMORPH Wide hips and narrow shoulders (pear-shaped). A lot of fat on the body. A lot of fat on the upper arms and thighs. Quite slim wrists and ankles.

EXTREME ENDOMORPH Examples include: Sumo-wrestlers.

EXTREME MESOMORPH Broad shoulders, narrow hips (wedge-shaped). Large head. Muscular body. Strong forearms and thighs. Very little body fat.

EXTREME MESOMORPH Examples include: Sprinters Weight lifters

EXTREME ECTOMORPH Narrow shoulders and hips. Thin face, high forehead. Thin narrow chest and abdomen. Thin legs and arms. Very little muscle or body fat.

EXTREME ECTOMORPH Examples include: Jockey High jump

MATCHING SPORT TO BODY BUILD (in general terms) Gymnast…….. Sprinter……. Football player…… Heavy weight boxer…… Shot putter……. Ice skater…….. Ectomorph. Mesomorph. Endomorph. Ectmorph.

SOMATOCHARTS Somatotype ratings are shown on somatocharts. EXTREME MESOMORPH Weight lifters Gymnast Wrestlers Sprinter Distance Runner Prop forwards Sumo wrestlers Race Walker EXTREME ENDOMORPH EXTREME ECTOMORPH

MATCHING SPORT TO BODY TYPE. High jumper …….. meso-ectomorph. (both muscular + slim) Heavy weight wrestler….. endo-mesomorph. (both body fat + muscular)

EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE Long distance runners who have extra body fat will have slower times because the extra fat has to be oxygenated and carried. Throwers with low muscles content in the upper body will produce less powerful throw than a thrower with more upper body muscle. Jockey’s who are smaller and carrying less weight will feel lighter for the horse who will then run faster.

TO DO THIS YOU USE SKIN FOLD CALIPERS. In order to find your somatotype, it is necessary to measure your body fat, or skinfolds, at 3 sites on your body TO DO THIS YOU USE SKIN FOLD CALIPERS.