Definition and introduction
The physique is primarily defined as our external appearance. This consists visibly mainly of the components of the extremities such as arms and legs, our head and the trunk. Not directly visible, however, is our organ system.
Another area that completes the physique is the microscopic area, which consists mainly of cell groups, muscles and nerves. Macroscopic portion: Macroscopy describes roughly everything that is visible to the naked eye. In the case of the body structure, this includes the extremities (legs and arms), head, trunk and also the organ system.
Bones, muscles and fat are the form-givers of the outer appearance. Microscopic portion: Microscopy includes all parts of the body that are visible under the microscope. This includes blood components, tissue, cells and microorganisms.
Which physique types are there?
There are different models that classify the physique types. Probably the best known and most widespread model differentiates between three physique types – the ectomorphic, mesomorphic and endomorphic type. This is the classification according to William Sheldon into different somatic constitution types.
The physique types are based on different genetic and optical characteristics of a person. However, hardly any person can be clearly assigned to an exact physique type, but is a mixture of the three types. Sheldon attributed the physique to the three embryonic cotyledons of the human being.
This classification method has been disproved, but is still used in the fitness sector. Sheldon describes three main types consisting of ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph. There is also a mixed type, which most people have.
Here the different main forms are combined with each other. An endomesomorphic type would thus be an athletic-muscular person, which however tends to an increased fat accumulation.
- The ectomorphic, also called leptosome, physique type is characterized by a very slender physique.
In addition, the individuals are usually tall and have low body fat and muscle percentage. Optical characteristics are long arms and legs and a short upper body with a narrow chest and narrow shoulders.
- The mesomorphic, also called metromorphic, physique type is characterized by a high muscle mass. This is basically given to the person by nature and can be built up quickly and efficiently through targeted training.
At the same time, the person only has a low body fat percentage. Visual characteristics are a long upper body with a broad chest, broad shoulders, large hands and feet. For men, this type of body is called a V-shaped figure, for women an hourglass shape.
Often the mesomorphic type is also called “ideal type”, because it is a mixture between the ectomorphic and the endomorphic type.
- The endomorphic, also called pyknomorphic, body type represents persons with high body fat and usually high weight. Other characteristics are short arms and legs, broad hips and a generally rounded physique. These physique types tend to gain weight quickly due to the accumulation of water and fatty tissue.
This explains the tendency to obesity.
Classification according to Ernst Kretschmer: Similar to William Sheldon, Kretchmer tried to divide the characteristic physique of humans into different types. Here his focus was on creating a connection between physique and character traits. For this purpose he first divided people into three main types, leptosome, pycnic and athletic.
- Leptosome: Similar to the ectomorphic type, it is characterized by slenderness, thin arms and legs, increased length growth and narrow shoulders
- Pycnicist: The pycnicist is the counterpart of the endomorphic type. Increased fat deposits, small body size and soft facial features.
- Athletes: Like the mesomoprhe type, the muscular appearance is in the foreground here. In addition, wide shoulders and a low fat accumulation are important.
