Reality: A gymnastic body requires active flexibility (strength at end range). A pancake split is useless without the strength to lift your legs off the floor. Mobility is a strength standard, not a yoga standard.
The extreme range of motion required (shoulder dislocates, German hangs) puts the glenoid labrum at constant risk. A "gymnast’s shoulder" often sounds like a bag of gravel due to decades of cartilage wear. gymnastic body
Training on rings and bars creates a distinct V-taper with highly developed lats, shoulders, and core. The "Building the Gymnastic Body" Philosophy gymnastic body