Introduction To Somatotypes

Somatotypes

Somatotypes are a way of classifying human body shapes based on three main categories: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.

The term somatotype was coined by the American psychologist William Sheldon in the 1940s, who also proposed a theory of constitutional psychology that linked somatotypes to personality traits.

However, his theory has been largely discredited and rejected by modern science, as there is no evidence that body shape determines or predicts one’s character, intelligence, or morality.

• Ectomorphs are slim, linear, and have low body fat and muscle mass. They may be perceived as intelligent, gentle, and introverted
• Mesomorphs are muscular, strong, and have high body fat and muscle mass. They may be perceived as competitive, extroverted, and tough
• Endomorphs are round, short, and have difficulty losing weight and fat. They may be perceived as outgoing, friendly, and laid-back

Most people have a combination of different somatotypes, rather than being a pure type. Somatotypes are also influenced by various factors, such as genetics, diet, exercise, and environment, and can change over time.

Somatotypes are still used in some fields, such as physical education, sports, and fitness, as a descriptive tool to help assess one’s body composition, health status, and physical potential.

What Is Body Type?

From Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man to Galileo’s Square-Cube Law, to Hippocrates’ medical classifications, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda, the human body has captivated scholars for millennia.

In the 1940s, American scientist William H. Sheldon and his colleagues created a system of classification of the human physique comprising three body types (also known as somatotypes): ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.

William Sheldon was a behavioural psychologist, not an anatomist, and hence the crux of his theory was linking the three somatotypes with temperament types. His claims on the relationship between personality and physical appearance have been thoroughly refuted and disregarded in the years thereafter.

While the behavioural science component was lacking, the study of somatotyping itself was worthwhile. This classification has changed and developed continuously since its inception. The Heath-Carter method is currently the most widely used method of somatotyping (or body typing).

Endomorph

Typical O shape

• Rounded appearance
• Pear or apple shaped body
• Wide shoulders
• Wide hips
• High % body fat

An endomorph is a term used to describe a body type that is characterized by softness, roundness, and a tendency to store fat easily. Endomorphs have a wide waist and hips, large bones, and a lot of body fat and muscle. They may or may not be overweight, but they often struggle to lose weight and build muscle.

Endomorphs need to follow a balanced diet that is low in fat and carbs and high in protein and fibre. They also need to do regular cardio and weight training exercises to boost their metabolism and burn calories. Endomorphs can benefit from eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding processed foods and added sugars, and drinking plenty of water.

Endomorphs are not doomed to be unhealthy or unfit. With the right diet and exercise plan, they can achieve their health and fitness goals and enjoy the benefits of their body type, such as being extroverted, tolerant, relaxed, and resilient.

Ectomorph

Typical I shape

• Narrow Shoulders
• Narrow Hips
• Thin arms & legs
• Low % body fat
• Low % muscle

An ectomorph is a term used to describe a body type that is characterized by linearity, thinness, and a difficulty to gain weight and muscle. Ectomorphs have a narrow chest and abdomen, a thin face with a high forehead and a receding chin, long arms and legs, little body fat and muscle, and a large skin surface and nervous system. They have a fast metabolism that burns up calories quickly and prevents them from gaining weight easily.

Ectomorphs need to follow a high-calorie diet that is rich in carbs and protein and low in fat. They also need to do short and intense workouts that focus on big muscle groups and avoid overtraining. They should use supplements such as protein powders, creatine, and mass gainers to help them increase their calorie intake and muscle growth. Ectomorphs should eat before bed to prevent muscle breakdown during the night.

Ectomorphs are not doomed to be skinny or weak. With the right diet and exercise plan, they can achieve their health and fitness goals and enjoy the benefits of their body type, such as being introverted, quiet, artistic, restrained, and self-conscious.

Mesomorph

Typical V shape

• Wide shoulders
• Narrow hips
• High % Muscle
• Low % body fat

A mesomorph is a term used to describe a body type that is marked by greater than average muscular development, low body fat, and a medium build1. Mesomorphs have a square, massive head, a broad chest and shoulders, a large heart, heavily muscled arms and legs, and an even weight distribution around the body. They have a balanced metabolism that allows them to gain and lose weight easily and respond well to weight training.

Mesomorphs need to follow a moderate diet that is balanced in carbs, protein, and fat. They also need to do a combination of weight training and cardio exercises to maintain their muscle mass and cardiovascular health. They should vary their workouts in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration to avoid plateaus and boredom. Mesomorphs should eat enough calories to support their activity level and muscle growth.

Mesomorphs are not doomed to be bulky or inflexible. With the right diet and exercise plan, they can achieve their health and fitness goals and enjoy the benefits of their body type, such as being extroverted, active, and competitive.