Physique Understand the three extreme somatotypes Consider the most suitable somatotype for different activities
Physique Physique is very closely linked to somatotype Inherent Very little control over it You can affect the following… Body Composition Percentage of body weight which is fat, muscle and bone. Musculature The arrangement of muscles in your body
Somatotype Your somatotype (body type) will mean that you may be suited to certain activities while others may be more difficult Classification give guidance Descriptions are for extreme body types only Likely that you will fall somewhere inside the spectrum not solely in one.
Endomorph Pear shaped with… Wide shoulders Wide hips Tendency to gain weight Short legs in comparison to trunk Extremes will… Suit activities where bulk is needed Struggle with weight bearing aerobic exercises
Mesomorph Wedge shaped with… Wide shoulders Narrow hips Minimal amount of fat Muscular arms and legs Extremes will… Suit activities where strength, agility or speed is needed Struggle with very few sports, only extremes like horse racing
Ectomorph Slender shaped with… Narrow shoulders Narrow hips Minimal amount of muscle and fat Thin arms and legs Extremes will… Suit activities where endurance or a light frame is needed Struggle with power and strength based activities
Suitability Most sports it is possible to take part regardless of your somatotype You are much more likely to reach the elite level if your somatotype suits the activity Height is not considered a factor in the classification A tall ectomorph would be a suited to the high jump Where as a short ectomorph would be better suited to a jockey
Against the norm?
Test yourself without your notes The term ‘body type’ is one way of expressing the body build of a person but what is the technical term used to describe body type? (1 mark) 2. There are three component of body type (somatotype). Give the three components in the correct order. (3 marks) 3. From the list of sports below indicate what somatotype you think would be most fitting for each. You could use a combination of somatotypes for some of them and give a reason why this would benefit their performance. Tennis at Wimbledon 100m Sprint (Olympic final) Flat Race jockey Gold (the open) Worlds Strongest man (10 marks)