SOMATO TYPES OR BODY TYPES People's with different body types We find great variations in the body structure of individuals. Some indiv...
SOMATO TYPES OR BODY TYPES
People's with different body types
We find great variations in the body structure of individuals. Some individuals have a flabby build, some are robust and some are lean and thin. Our bods structure depends on many factors such as heredity, growth and development and the type of activities we do. Variations in size and attachments of muscles. the structure of the joints and the length of the bones affect the performance physical activities. Therefore, the Study of body structure of an individual becomes important for (a) the classification of individuals for instruction purposes and (b) for judging the suitability of an individual for some particular activity.
Thus, somato type can be defined as the classification of human body according to it's shape, size and structure On the basis of body structure, we can divide individual into the following three main categories:
1. Endomorphs
2. Mesomorphs
3 Ectomorphs
1. Endomorphs
A person with a soft, round build of the body and having a high proportion of fat tissue comes under the category of an endomerph. The body of such a person is pear shaped Endomorphs have wide hips and shoulders, short and thick neck and shoulder and legs. There is a lot of fat on the body, arms and thighs.
Advantages
The body of endomorphs is best suited for power lifting as they have high levels of strength.
They can be good swimmers and excel in sports such as shot put.
Disadvantages
Endomorphs have poor physical fitness and hence, they are poor athletes
(ii) Their bodies have a tendency to store fat. Hence, they are at a risk of becoming obese.
(iii) They have low endurance. Their high body weight does not allow them to perform well in the activities that require agility, speed or continuous aerobic exercises.
2. Mesomorphs
The body of mesomorphs is muscular and strong in appearance. Mesomorphs have a flat abdomen and a athletic physique. They have a minimum amount fat on their bodies, wide and broad shoulders, Proportionate arms and legs and thick bones and muscles.
Advantages
(i) The low body fat of mesomorphs enables them to excel in activities involving strength,agility and speed.
(ii) Their balanced body structure and height makes them very suitable for athletics.
(iii) They also respond well to cardiovascular and resistance training in sports.
Disadvantages
They have average endurance and flexibility.
(ii) Mesomorphs tend to gain fat easily especially if they lead a sedentary life. Hence they need to have a balanced calorie intake and participate in physical activities regularly.
3. Ectomorphs
Ectomorphs are generally tall, slender and thin. They have narrow shoulders and hips, flat chest and abdomen and thin arms and legs. They have lean muscle mass, elongated limbs and low fat content on their bodies.
Advantages
(i) The body structure of endomarph is suitable for activities like:
Gymnastics
Badminton, tennis and table tennis
Activities involving endurance and flexibility
High jump and volleyball
They have a fast metabolism that burns fat very quickly.
Disadvantages
(i) The bodies of ectomorphs are not suitable for power or strength sports. Indulgence in such activities can result in injuries or deformities in their anatomical structures. Thus, They cannot perform well in sports like wrestling, shot put, etc.
(ii) Ectomorphs generally cannot gain weight easily.
(iii) They lack in physical strength and are usually weak and frail.
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