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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?

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...

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