Gymnastics and Arm or Leg Lengths

As an average guy trying to train in gymnastics, I have looked into the biomechanical forces of certain aspects and this had led me to wonder how much gymnastics I should even try??

If I am 5' 9" and 256lbs and if (these are just examples) my arms were 12 inches from shoulder to elbow and 11 inches from elbow to wrist, what would this mean for gymnastic skills in terms of strength required versus leverage?? Are there things that I should not be able to do because of my body size??

Are there some resources available to make some of these calculations?

Maybe this is a rediculous question, but I was curious, all work and no reward would make me very cranky 8)

Something I forgot to add...

Do coaches (Coach ) see potential in their students by the length of their arms, legs, torso? This is more specific I think, If the torso is longer and legs shorter or arms shorter or longer, how much difference will than make in performance??

I ask you Coach, because you have that experience. The other question is more about science.

Thanks.

i don't want to think about limiting myself based on size... i'm 6' and ~240lbs @ ~10%bf...

i'm just getting the front lever, close to a straddle planche and maltease on the rings, within ~8 inches of an iron cross, 2-3 bowers and 3-5 erbs, can do weighted one arm handstand holds w/ feet against a wall (+70lbs for ~30sec hold), bulgarian or rto dips +90lbs, pullups +135lbs... just did my best free standing handstand a couple weeks ago at 57 seconds... i haven't even been training like this a year yet... there is so much more that i'll be able to do with more training... it really is all about following the prgressions and not rushing your progress... good luck and aim high

Point taken

I do not wish to limit myself either, that is for sure. I simply find it interesting that based on leverage, someone who has different dimensions will have varying degrees of difficulty in performing tasks that disadvatage them in leverage. This means that someone who is more disadvantaged by leverage works harder to achieve a goal and props to them.

Still, I get the impression that it is still possible to move ones own body well.

I'm 6' 160lbs. I just started gymnastics a few months ago. I have already made significant strength gains and have acquired the ability to do many skills.

The only thing that limits your ability in my opinion is your dedication. I started gymnastics full throttle and haven't let up since. But, this doesn't mean I don't think about what I'm doing it and just go blindly into strength/flexibility/skills training.

Good luck!

Thanks

Enjoy your progress.

Yeah your body size and weight will make it more or less difficult thats for sure. However, dedication and correct training is far more important that worrying about how long your arms are or how tall you might be. I am 6 foot 1 inch and 185lbs yet can do the human flag like its my job, tumble, straddle planche, hand balance, front/back lever and so on. I've even been able to hold an iron cross on rings for 2 seconds. A personal best for me. It all came because I was focused in my training and patient with it. Beyond that nothing else matters.

I appreciate your attitude.

When I was growing up, I was studying Chinese Martial Arts and there were a variety of forms my Sifu was teaching, some were more "fitting" for my body type and some were less "fitting" so that I was encouraged to follow certain forms and learn from others, but focus on those more "fitting".

This is the background out of which I ask (while I probably complicate the question). Some people specialize in Rings or in Pommel Horse, etc. Some do all around. Would body type, while not precluding me from learning the other "forms" lend to a more natural development of certain skills??'

Still, I do appreciate your attitude, because that is true... if you work at it and focus on doing it, you can accomplish amazing things!!

Yes, certain body types will lend themselves to doing certain things better but it's not really a big deal until we are talking about elite competition and high level skills. It takes a bit more effort when learning late in life with size especially when it comes to balance issues. This isn't always the case as some tall guys can be very graceful and kinesthetically aware though. It all depends.

Have you seen this info on Bert Assirati on BeaskSkills.com?

Jim Bathurst said:

This guy weighed 240 lbs (~109 kg) but was able to do three one arm chin-ups, as well as an iron cross. And as you can see by the picture, he was also quite an impressive acrobat!

Yes, it is true that to achieve world-class levels of performance in international competitive gymnastics, possessing a specific phenotype and and the requisite limb lengths is certainly essential. Notice the different body types of a pommel horse/parallel bar/high bar specialist vs. a ring specialist vs. a floor/vault specialist vs. an all arounder. However, as a fitness enthusiast, unless you are aspiring to be a National Champion or World/Olympic Team member, this is of no importance to you in your own general Gymnastic Strength Training™.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

Thank you Coach.

George, no I had not.

I am addressing more issues than I need to.

I will definately try to focus more on setting goals.

Thanks again.