Body types

We are each born with a specific somotype – or genetically determined body type – and each member of your family will fall into one of three general categories (below). Although there are three distinct body types, as identified by psychologist William H. Sheldon in the 1940s, no one person is completely one body type, but we all have a body type that is predominant.

Your predominant somotype predetermines your physical build. So, it is possible for you to have two lean, long-limbed children and one heavier, more muscular child. What is important is to recognise which somotype each family member is and to explain that, no matter what shape or size, everyone can benefit from a variety of physical activities. Knowing that we are born with specific body types can help your child to accept the body she has. It can be particularly hard for female siblings if one is lean and rangy and the other considers herself squat and stocky by comparison. It doesn’t seem fair that no matter how much exercising she does she may never appear as lean as her sister, and she has a greater tendency to put on weight while the lean one appears to be able to eat anything and not put on an ounce. It’s not fair, but realising that genetics determines body type, skin thickness and where fat tissue is stored may help her to rationalise the difference in their shapes and help her to accept herself as she is. She can then play to her strengths by choosing activities that suit her somotype.

Having said that, if your child has a passion for a sport or pastime, there is no reason why body type should stand in her way. Even short stocky girls can become good netball players if they love the game. And every rugby team needs a nippy, lightweight winger.

Mesomorph

Sheldon described this body type as follows:

- Athletic

- Hard, muscular body

- Rectangular shaped (hourglass shape for women)

- Gains or loses weight easily

- Grows muscle quickly

Best team activities: exercises that require strength and endurance such as rugby, baseball, water polo and ice hockey.

Best individual activities: martial arts, boxing, shot-put, discus, ice skating, sprinting, swimming and gymnastics.

Endomorph

This group has a higher fat-to-muscle ratio. They have a rounded, soft body and women tend to be pear-shaped. Said to have a ‘soft look’, it can be harder for them to trim and tone through exercise and diet.

The characteristics that Sheldon used to describe an Endomorph body type are as follows:

- Soft body

- Round shaped

- Over-developed digestive system

- Trouble losing weight

- Generally gains muscle easily

- Grows muscle quickly

Best activities: middle-distance and moderate-intensity activities are best-suited to this body type. For example swimming, dancing, martial arts, tennis, archery, sailing, golf, hiking, water sports and some field events.

Ectomorph

This is the lanky body type with a narrow pelvic bone. They are typically low in weight and fat and tend to be long and rectangular in shape. These individuals find it hard to put on muscle mass. An Ectomorph body type has difficulty gaining weight and muscle growth takes much longer to achieve and is harder to maintain.

The characteristics that Sheldon used to describe an Ectomorph body type are as follows:

- Slim

- Flat chest (girls)

- Delicate build

- Tall

- Lightly muscled

- Has trouble gaining weight

- Muscle growth takes longer

Best team activities: football, rugby (winger), basketball, hockey and ice hockey (attacker).

Best individual activities: long-distance running, pole-vaulting, triathlon, cross-country running, skiing and swimming.