Body Type

[VaultPurple]

I know we have had a million threads about weight training but not sure if we have compleatly discouseed the body type of a pole vaulter.

Some of the best female pole vaulters have came from gymnastics, but what about male gymnist. I know most of them are shorter than the normal vaulter but with the strenght aspect.

My main question here is because I am only 5'5 and was wondering if the body of a male gymnist, ie. brod sholders and huge arm muscles. I saw where both the Hann twins are 5'6 140. But im 5'5 138 and really dont see how I could gain that much muslce and only 2 pounds.

So I guess what Im getting at is should I try to bulk up with low weight high rep, or just go ahead and start doing strength training with high weight low rep?

[KYLE ELLIS]

I honestly with no scientific evidence say you are best closer to your natural weight. If you are a 138 lets theoritacally say if you lost 5pounds your bf% would be 5%, then you could gain 5lbs of muscle and still be close to your natural weight. I know Tim Mcmicheal jumped 18'5 at 5'8 and around 140lbs... He definately wasn't bulky which I dont think any elite vaulter is. Even the bigger looking guys like Hartwig is 6'3 and only like 190lbs...

[powerplant42]

Your goal should be how much can you lift (and how explosively), not how big can you get.
(And it's Hamm...)