Sheldon developed a system for classifying human body types based on measurements of muscle, bone, and fat. The three main body types are ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Ectomorphs tend to be thin and lightly muscled with a focus on the brain and nervous system. Mesomorphs are hard and muscular with a focus on muscles and circulation. Endomorphs are soft-bodied with a focus on the digestive system. Sheldon rated individuals on a scale of 1 to 7 for each body type and classified them based on their highest scores. Certain physical, behavioral, and personality traits are generally associated with each body type.

1. Body Typing
(Somatotypes)
 Sheldon’s
 ‘Atlas of Men’ (1970)
 Measurement of
 Muscle – size, strength, endurance
 Bone - length and girth
 Fat – percentage, distribution

2. 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

3. Sheldon Somatotyping
 Each area measured on a 1 – 7 scale
 Type is decided by predominant
(highest to lowest numbers)
 Example –
 Endo - 4
 Ecto - 7
 Meso - 1
A Ectomorph

4. Triad Body Type

5. Ectomorphic
 thin
 flat chest
 delicate build
 young appearance
 tall
 lightly muscled
 stoop-shouldered
 large brain

6.  self-conscious
 preference for
privacy
 introverted
 inhibited
 socially anxious
 artistic
 mentally intense
 emotionally
restrained

7. Endomorphic
 soft body
 underdeveloped
muscles
 round shaped
 over-developed
digestive system

8. Endomorphic
 love of food
 tolerant
 evenness of
emotions
 love of comfort
 sociable
 good humored
 relaxed
 need for affection

9. 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

10. Mesomorph
 hard, muscular
body
 overly mature
appearance
 rectangular shaped
 thick skin
 upright posture

11. 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

13. Mesomorph Character

14. Ectomorph Character

15. Implications
 Endomorphic
 Heavy
 Low center of gravity
 Heavy feet
 Mesomorphic
 Solid
 Power/ acceleration
 Ectomorphic
 Long limbs
 Light on feet

16. Implications
 Endomorphic
 Mesomorphic
 Ectomorphic