How come most gymnasts how low body fat?

[Makaveli]

While watching a couple of gymnastic videos on youtube it struck me that most gymnasts has very low body fat %. Is there a reason for that? I mean, in gymnastic training, do you benefit from having a very low body fat %? I'm perhaps like 12-13% body fat. Should I stay below 9-10% perhaps?

[Rik de Kort]

I mean, in gymnastic training, do you benefit from having a very low body fat %?

What are you moving around in gymnastics? That's right, your bodyweight. What does fat for moving around? Absolutely nothing but get in the way. So of course there is benefit to having a low bodyfat percentage.

[Makaveli]

Ok, sorry for asking then. The reason I asked is because I used to be a competetive bodybuilder and by own experience I know that I didnt performed very well in the gym while on a strict diet.

[Rik de Kort]

Yeah, of course too low bodyfat is going to mess with your strength levels, but they're not at bodybuilder level in competition by any means.

[Makaveli]

Ok. Thanks for the answer though. I understand it was a bit of a stupid question.

[Scott Malin]

Ok. Thanks for the answer though. I understand it was a bit of a stupid question.

Any question that is related to gymnastics in some form and isn't trolling is welcome here. We have the type of community here that welcomes anyone with a desire to improve themselves.

[Mats Trane]

Gymnastas on a higher level are in the gym 20-30 hours a week. They train ALOT (with their own bodyweight) and therefore low bodyfat.

[Blairbob]

A competitive collegiate gymnast, male or female will work out between 20-25 hours a week, sometimes a bit less. NCAA actually mandates they only train so much but some may work out less due to class schedules, being event specialists or sneaking in training on the down-low. Most female collegiate programs also spend some time in the weight room, 2-3 days a week. I haven't heard of it catching on in Men's programs though.

A competitive elite gymnast will train generally between 25-35 hours a week. Level 10s will train about 20-25 hours a week. Optional level gymnasts will train 15-20 hours a week and compulsory gymnasts will train 7-15 hours a week and vary in ages from 6-17.

Either way, they are training a lot. Burning off a lot of calories even though the training is anaerobic. Some gyms get pretty hot and don't have Air Conditioning, either.

To be honest, most are fit and trim but not all. Having seen the guys without their shirts at Cal, most did not have even mid range body fat ranges. However, the same is not true of female collegiate athletes judging from their workout attire and in their leotards.

The same can be said of many female gymnasts in the compulsory to L10 levels. Body fat levels tend to be low but not as low as you would see in the elites. More similar to female collegiate gymnast body fat levels. Tends to vary due to diets and genetics which vary. Most female collegiate gymnasts have nutritionists they can have access to. Gymnasts in club programs will vary due to basically parental direction as their may be input from club coaches but it tends to vary and be vague in nature. Some gymnasts may adhere to protocols put in place by a club coach but in general it isn't mandatory.

Gymnasts in general will not be as low as bodybuilders, especially those prepping for competitions as they do not employ fasting, hydration fasts, etc typically. Just not possible at that amount of workload. Gymnasts probably in general do not supplement as much as bodybuilders and for the most part don't use diuretics and other interesting substances such as steroids and hormone boosters, balancers, etc.

It is erroneous to state that because a said individual trains a lot with their own bodyweight that they therefore have low bodyfat. It just behooves them to. Leotards can hide body shapes well but sometimes they don't.

[Makaveli]

Ok. Thanks for the answer though. I understand it was a bit of a stupid question.

Any question that is related to gymnastics in some form and isn't trolling is welcome here. We have the type of community here that welcomes anyone with a desire to improve themselves.

Thanks!