Somatotype is the combination of physical characteristics that individuals have depending on their genetics and habits Somatotype Dr. It was divided into three groups by William Sheldon in the 1940s. These are Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph. When it first emerged, it was thought to be unchangeable and it was said that the physiological and psychological qualities of the individual were affected by the somatotype, but in line with current information, the views that the body somatotype should be considered more physically were effective.
Sheldon classified the individuals into 3 different body types. He named the dominant body type by using numbers from 1 to 7 in the classification. These body types have different characteristics.
– They have more difficulty gaining weight and gaining muscle compared to other somatotype groups.
– They have long and thin physical characteristics.
– They have narrow hips, shoulders and thin waists. – They have fast metabolic speed.- Short and long distance running and gymnastics athletes are generally have this body type.
– They describe it as a lucky somatotype group. It is easier to gain and lose weight than other somatotype groups.
-They have a fit appearance.
-They have wide shoulders and narrow hips.
-They have a low fat content and a muscular appearance.
-Swimming and rowing athletes generally have this body type.
-They have circular and large heads.
-They have a large waist and large bones.
-They have a circular body.
-Their metabolic speed is generally slow.
-They are inclined to gaining weight.
-Greased wrestlers, rugby and shot put athletes generally belong to this group.
Body types can change depending on a person’s diet and your exercise level and the type of exercise that they do.
Body types are divided into 3 and there are no intermediate body types, but the person does not have only one body type. Person’s body is scored according to 3 body types between 1-7 and the dominant body type is determined.
It is a popular approach in recent years. Some experts say that a diet should be created according to body type and that this type of nutrition is more correct. But scientific studies do not provide evidence that this works.
When sports branches are examined, each branch has its own appropriate physical characteristics. These physical characteristics can create an advantage or disadvantage in competitions. For example; Long distance runners consist of ectomorph type people. Long distance is a branch where aerobic endurance is dominant, the ectomorph type provides an advantage. Another example is greased wrestling, which is a branch where endomorph type athletes will have an advantage. Greased wrestling is one of the branches that physical superiority provides a clear advantage. The somatotype that provides this physical superiority is Endomorph. When choosing a branch, both the characteristics of the branch and the characteristics of the person should be taken into consideration. A correct choice will also bring advantages.