Somatotyping

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Somatotyping
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• Definition
• It is a way to describe build. It looks at how
  fat, how muscular and how linear you are, in that
  order. Each is measured on a scale of 1 to 7.
• There are three somatotypes/body shapes
• Endomorph
• Mesomorph
• Ectomorph

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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.
• Rating 7.1.1

4
Extreme Mesomorph

• Broad shoulders and narrow hips (wedge shaped).
• A large head.
• Muscular body.
• Strong forearms and thighs.
• Very little body fat.
• Rating 1.7.1

5
Extreme Ectomorph

• Narrow shoulders and hips.
• Thin face and high forehead.
• A thin narrow chest and abdomen.
• Thin legs and arms.
• Very little muscle or body fat.
• Rating 1.1.7

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What is your rating?

• Most people are between these extremes.
• Most have a rating such as 3.4.4 or 3.5.2, or
  4.3.3.
• To find your rating you have to carry out some
  very complex measurements.
• Q What is your rating? (Have a guess)
• You inherit your basic build from your parents.
  But you can change it to some extent through
  exercise and diet.

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Whats the ideal build for sport?
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High Jump

• Being tall and light is an advantage.
• They also need strong muscles for power and lift.
• Ideal build ectomorph with some mesomorph.

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Gymnastics

• Being light is an advantage.
• She needs strong muscles to lift herself and hold
  a position.
• Ideal build Ectomorph with some mesomorph.

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Other Sports

• Rugby (Does it depend on your position)
• Sumo Wrestling
• Netball
• Swimming
• Rowing
• Jockey
• Skiing

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Somatotyping Top Athletes

• They are all towards the mesomorph end.
• It proves the importance of muscle at this level.
• Weight lifters, wrestlers and weight throwers are
  more endomorphic than other athletes.