Gymnastics involves activities that are typically characterized as high-intensity to very high-intensity and short duration. In competition, athletes perform and then rest before beginning a new event. Gymnastics requires strength, power, and fl exibility. Training is demanding, oſt en involving many repetitions of indi- vidual skills or routines, but athletes can rest when it is not their turn to perform. Female gymnasts tend to be shorter and lighter than most other athletes and other females their age. A high percentage of lean body mass and a low percentage of body fat are desirable, not only to perform the skills but also because such bodies are aesthetically appealing. It is biologically easier for males to attain the currently held “ideal” body type than for females. Learn more about the sport at the USA Gymnastics website (www.usa-gym nastics.org).