Why do so many fitness websites still reference somatotypes?

Asked by: Matthew Zhang

What is the importance of knowing our somatotypes body types?

Knowing your somatotype can allow you to work with your body to make adjustments to factors you can control, rather than working against it and being constantly frustrated by your lack of success.

Why is somatotype important in sport?

Somatotyping is helpful in sports in which the body shape could influence the resulting performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the somatotype of high profile Lithuanian athletes in kayaking, basketball and football and to compare between disciplines and with low level sportsmen of the same age.

How does somatotype affect fitness?

With a considerable level of lean body mass, they are genetically predisposed to an athletic body. Generally, mesomorphs tend to be growth hormone dominant, which makes them physically inclined to easy muscle gain and naturally maintaining lower body fat.

What is the most common somatotype?

endomorphic mesomorph

The most common somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph for men and mesomorph-endomorph for women. In five disease groups, prevalence was significantly related to a somatotype.

Can somatotype be changed?

CAN A PERSON CHANGE THEIR SOMATOTYPE? Each somatotype can alter their muscle mass and adipose tissue using diet and exercise, but their basic bone structure will remain fixed. A personal trainer should be aware of these different physiques and not adhere to cultural stereotypes.

What is the somatotype theory?

Somatotyping is the classifying of people into types according to body build. Somatotype theory relates distinctive body types to personality characteristics and relates criminal behavior to the body types. Somatotype theory is most commonly associated with William Sheldon.

What are somatotypes in physical education?

Somatotypes means human body shape and physique types. somatotypes helps the physical education and sports teachers to classify the studentsfor particular sports and games on the basis of physical mental and practical aspects. The procedure of measuring somatotypes is based on the classification by W.H.SHELDON- 1.

Why are Mesomorphs good at sports?

Mesomorphs are known as “genetically gifted”. This type responds well to cardio and resistance training and with the minimal body fat it carries; it could excel at most sports. Mesomorphs gain or lose weight easily, it allows them to adapt to the needs of the specific sport.

Are Ectomorphs rare?

Another study of men and women found that the average distribution of somatotypes is 51.6% endomorphic/mesomorphs, 17.1% mesomorph/endomorphs, 16.7% mesomorphic/endomorphs, 6.1% balanced mesomorphs, and 3.0% ectomorphic/mesomorphs.

Are somatotypes genetic?

Conclusions: Associations between somatotype and physical fitness tests are mainly explained by common genetic background in children and adolescents.

Who developed somatotype?

psychologist W.H. Sheldon

The term somatotype was used in the system of classification of human physical types developed in the 1940s by American psychologist W.H. Sheldon.

Is Sheldon’s theory still relevant?

Despite the discredited nature of somatotype, people unaware of the theory are still influenced in their assessments of personality by body type. This can compromise scientific data in cases where participants are rating the personalities of people with different body types.

Are Ectomorphs more intelligent?

According to one study endomorphs are likely to be perceived as slow, sloppy, and lazy. Mesomorphs, in contrast, are typically stereotyped as popular and hardworking, whereas ectomorphs are often viewed as intelligent, yet fearful.