Somatotypes

Question 1

What does the term somatotype mean ?

Answer 1

It is a term used for describing different body types or individuals or and individuals physical build.

Question 2

How are somatotypes and physical activities related to?

Answer 2

It is generally thought that having a certain body type makes you more suited to some activities than others.

Question 3

What are the three extreme body types ?

Answer 3

-Mesomorph
- Ectomorph
- Endomorph

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a Mesomorph ?

Answer 4

-Low levels of fat

• Builds muscle easily
• Solid build
• Wide shoulders
• narrow hips

Question 5

What activities are mesomorph most suited for ?

Answer 5

Extreme mesomorph body types are suited to activities requiring power, speed or strength.

For example:

• sprinting
  -weightlifting
• boxing

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a Ectomorph ?

Answer 6

• long , thin frame
• narrow shoulder and hips
• slim build
• generally does not build muscle easily
• generally does not store fat easily

Question 7

What activities are extreme ectomorphs bodies most suited for ?

Answer 7

They are most suited for activities where being light is an advantage:

-long-distance running

• High jump

Question 8

What are the characteristics of an endomorph ?

Answer 8

• Wide hips
• narrow shoulders
• has a tendency to store fat

Question 9

What activities are endomorphs most suited for ?

Answer 9

Individuals with an extreme endomorph body type are suited to some activities requiring power or where added weight is an advantage. They can use bulk to add momentum to throws, or overpower or resist opponents, for example in:

-shot put
-sumo wrestling
-some positions in rugby (props)