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Fitness Testing > Tests > Anthropometry > Somatotyping
Measuring Somatotype
Somatotyping is a system of classifying body types in terms of three categories: endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy. In each category someone can be classified on a scale from 1 to 7, though you cannot score highly on all three. The three numbers together give a somatotype number, with the endomorphy score first, then mesomorphy and finally ectomorphy. The scores may also be plotted in a shield diagram, representing the somatotype on a two dimensional scale.
Endomorphy
An endomorphic person (e.g. 711) would be stocky, with a large round body, a short thick neck, short arms and legs, and with a tendency to store body fat. Sports people tend not to be in this category, being either more mesomorphic or ectomorphic. Generaly, endomorphs rate poorly on physical fitness tests and so make poor athletes.
Mesomorphy
A mesomorphic person (e.g. 171) would be strongly built, with a broad muscular chest and shoulders, very muscular arms and legs, and little body fat. An example of a mesomorphic person in the sporting world would be a typical weightlifter or shot putter. In general, mesomorphs rank high on strength, endurance, power and agility.
Ectomorphy
An ectomorphic person (e.g. 117) would be tall and thin, with a narrow body, thin arms and legs, little body fat and wiry muscles. An example of an ectomorphic person in the sporting world would be a typical long distance runner or basketball player. In general, ectomorphs rank high on endurance, flexibility and agility.
Related Pages
- Measuring Skinfolds and Girths
- Discussions about Body Size Testing and Body Composition Testing
- Anthropometry
Related Products
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