Episode 148: Coaches Series- What is THEIR role in supporting gymnasts with their fueling?

What’s appropriate when it comes to coaches trying to help gymnasts with their nutrition?

There is a lot to unpack here, including thoughts from both school’s of thought when it comes to this subject. Often coaches feel like they have to be everything for their gymnasts. Or, parents expect them to know everything even when it’s outside their scope of practice. 

In this episode, we dive into one of the more delicate aspects of coaching: supporting gymnast nutrition. While performance and recovery are tightly linked to how athletes fuel their bodies, the role of a coach in this area requires intentionality, empathy, and clear boundaries. Hopefully you find this a thoughtful, helpful episode which includes what’s appropriate and what’s not when it comes to coaches giving nutrition advice, making comments about gymnast bodies, etc. 

Coaches play a powerful role in shaping how gymnasts think about food, performance, and their bodies. With the right approach, you can create a supportive environment that promotes health, strength, and confidence — without crossing into territory outside of your scope.

Listen in to today’s episode to learn more about: 

• The different options coaches have when it comes to addressing their gymnasts’ nutrition
• What’s appropriate and what’s not in discussing nutrition (you might be surprised)
• Nutrition is a huge part of athletic performance — but when it comes to young athletes, it’s a topic that must be approached with extra care

Links & Resources    

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 04: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and Gymnastics
• New Free Masterclass Training
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com