Episode 122: [Fueled Gymnast Fall] 3 Sneaky Ways Your Gymnast is Underfueled

Could your gymnast be underfueled and you just not know it? What does that look like and what signs should parents be on the lookout for?

Welcome to the first episode of our series, Fueled Gymnast Fall. I’m so excited to take the next few weeks to address a handful of specific issues that could be affecting your gymnast at this point of the year. Now is the time to make changes and adjustments before competition season is upon us. And underfueling is unfortunately all to common amongst gymnasts and can wreck havoc on routines. 

One of the hardest things to break through when it comes to fueling the high level gymnast is understanding that it looks so different than what we’re used to. But there are signs that we can look for and assess to really know if they’re getting what they need. 

Because let’s face it. Fueling a high-level gymnast that is training 20-30 hours a week is just not the same as fueling yourself as a parent or just “eating healthfully”. And it’s even different than fueling an adult athlete because these gymnasts are still in the throes of growing and developing. Their needs are unique.

Listen to today’s episode to hear the first in our series, Fueled Gymnast Fall.

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• Is fine really fine? When making assumptions can backfire or prevent reaching a gymnast’s full potential
• Being a super great or “healthy” eater doesn’t mean they’re fueling for the work required at the upper levels
• Why underfueled gymnasts fly under the radar when parents just go off of a “look”

 Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 23: How to Fuel through Puberty for Power and Performance with Guest Dave Tilley 
• Enter the Fueled Gymnast Fall Podcast Giveaway
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or support@christinaandersonrdn.com