Body Typing
(Somatotypes)
 Sheldon’s
 ‘Atlas of Men’ (1970)
 Measurement of
 Muscle – size, strength, endurance
 Bone - length and girth
 Fat – percentage, distribution
Body Type
Endomorphic -
centered on the
abdomen, and the whole digestive system.
Mesomorphic -
focused on the
muscles and the circulatory system
Ectomorphic -
related to the
brain and the nervous system
Sheldon Somatotyping
 Each area measured on a 1 – 7 scale
 Type is decided by predominant
(highest to lowest numbers)
 Example –
 Endo
 Ecto
 Meso
A Ectomorph
-4
-7
-1
Triad Body Type
Ectomorphic








thin
flat chest
delicate build
young appearance
tall
lightly muscled
stoop-shouldered
large brain
 self-conscious
 preference for
privacy
 introverted
 inhibited
 socially anxious
 artistic
 mentally intense
 emotionally
restrained
Endomorphic
 soft body
 underdeveloped
muscles
 round shaped
 over-developed
digestive system
Endomorphic
 love of food
 tolerant
 evenness of
emotions
 love of comfort
 sociable
 good humored
 relaxed
 need for affection
Implications for Activities?
 Endomorph
 Light body weight
 Longer limbs
 Light on feet
 Ectomorph
 Heavy body weight
 Low center gravity
 Heavy on feet
 Mesomporph
 Solid body
 Power
 Nimble
Mesomorph
 hard, muscular
body
 overly mature
appearance
 rectangular shaped
 thick skin
 upright posture
Mesomorph
 adventurous
 desire for power and
dominance
 courageous
 indifference to what
others think or want
 assertive, bold
 zest for physical
activity
 competitive
 love of risk and chance
Mesomorph Character
Ectomorph Character
Implications
 Endomorphic
 Heavy
 Low center of gravity
 Heavy feet
 Mesomorphic
 Solid
 Power/ acceleration
 Ectomorphic
 Long limbs
 Light on feet
Implications
Endomorphic
Mesomorphic
Ectomorphic