Understanding your body type can be a powerful first step toward smarter fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle decisions. Many people struggle with weight gain, muscle building, or fat loss—not because they lack discipline, but because they’re following plans that don’t suit their natural body structure.
The concept of body types, also known as somatotypes, categorizes human bodies into three main groups:
- Ectomorph
- Mesomorph
- Endomorph
While no one fits perfectly into a single category, most people lean toward one dominant type. This article will help you identify your body type, explain the science behind it, break down the wrist test shown in the image, and guide you on how to train, eat, and live according to your unique body.
What Are Body Types (Somatotypes)?
The somatotype theory was developed in the 1940s by psychologist William H. Sheldon, who classified human physiques into three general categories based on skeletal structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
Although modern science recognizes that genetics and metabolism are far more complex than three neat boxes, somatotypes remain a useful framework for understanding tendencies in:
- Muscle gain
- Fat storage
- Metabolic rate
- Physical performance
Think of body types as guidelines, not rigid labels.
How to Identify Your Body Type (The Wrist Test Explained)
The image you shared illustrates one of the most popular and simple methods for estimating body type: the wrist circumference test.
How to Do the Wrist Test
- Wrap your thumb and middle finger of one hand around the wrist of your opposite hand.
- Observe how your fingers meet.
Wrist Test Results
A. Fingers Overlap → Ectomorph
If your fingers overlap easily, you likely have a small bone structure.
B. Fingers Just Touch → Mesomorph
If your fingers just touch, you probably have a medium bone structure.
C. Fingers Do Not Touch → Endomorph
If your fingers cannot touch, you likely have a larger bone structure.
Important Note:
This test reflects bone structure, not body fat or fitness level. A lean person can still be an endomorph, and an overweight person can still be a mesomorph.
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