Level 2 Principles Exam Revision: What is a somatotype?

This blog will prepare you for your Level 2 Principles Revision and explain what is a somatotype, exploring all 3 dominant body shapes.

You’ll discover:

What is a Somatotype?
Why you need to understand somatotypes
A 7 mins Video Tutorial teaches you the somatotypes
The characteristics of all 3 somatotypes
How to learn with simplicity for your L2 Principles Exam
Three Example Mock Question about the L2 Principles Exam

What is a Somatotype?

A somatotype is a method for categorising body shapes, based on the grouping of key characteristics.

There are three somatotypes:

Ectomorph
Endomorph
Mesomorph

Each somatotype has different characteristics, which makes the individual predisposed look slightly different from each other. Somatotype grouping has also been used for sport selection, because the biomechanics of the human body vary so much between somatotypes.

Why do you need to understand somatotypes?

Understanding Somatotypes is key for two reasons. Firstly you will get 3 to 6 questions about this topic in your level 2 principles of exercise exam.

Secondly, once you’re qualified and working with clients, understand somatotypes and how this affects your goal setting and programming for them.

The level 2 Principles exam may appear as a separate exam (with approx 32 questions) or it will be part of the Level 2 Anatomy exam, which is called “Principles of Anatomy, Physiology and Fitness”. The content is still the same, but it is good to check with your provider whether you have one or two exams.

If you have 3 to 6 questions out of 32… 16% of your exam can be tucked away in today’s video:

Plus check your learning with the level 2 principles of exercise mock question below

7 min Video Tutorial: What is a Somatotype?

[Level 2 Principles Exam] What is a somatotype?

Watch this video on YouTube

Characteristics of an Ectomorph:

Tall and Slim
Low Body Fat %
Easy to Burn Fat
Hard to Bulk
Type 1 Muscle Fibres
Aerobic & Endurance

Characteristics of an Endomorph:

Short and Stocky
Longer Torso
Shorter Limbs
Hard to do Endurance
Hard to Lose Fat (especially around waist)
Type 2b Muscle Fibres
Good Power/ Strength
Builds Muscle Easily

Characteristics of an Mesomorph:

Wide Shoulders Narrow Waist
Gain Muscle Mass Easily
Athletic
Type 2a Muscle Fibres
Adaptable to new sports
Happy Medium

Test your knowledge with today’s mock questions:

[NOTE: The answers are below the 3rd questions]

Q1: What characteristics are typical of an endomorph?

A = Wide shoulder narrow waist
B = Predominantly Type 2b muscle Fibres
C = Predominantly Type 1 muscle Fibres
D = Low Body Fat

Q2: What characteristics do mesomorphic body types tend to have?

A. Lean with low muscle mass
B. Muscular with broad shoulders
C. Predisposed to fat storage
D. Rounder in appearance

Q3: Typically, Ectomorphs are best suited to which type of physical activity?

A. Heavy weight training
B. Long-distance running
C. The shot put
D. Sprinting

Answers to the mock questions are :

Question 1= B, Question 2 = B, Question 3 = B

YEP – THEY WERE ALL B

If you want more mock questions like this, then you can download more Free Mock Questions: DOWNLOAD NOW

Need More Help with your Level 2 Principles Revision?

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https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/level-2-anatomy-and-physiology-revision-bootcamp

Dedicated to More

Hayley “What is a somatotype?” Bergman

Parallel Coaching

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