Episode 69: Why a gymnast’s goal weight might not be their healthiest weight

Does your gymnast have a “goal weight”? Is achieving that number the only way she’ll be successful in gymnastics? Looking a certain way is the basis for optimal performance…right? 

Whether it was a weight pre-puberty or a number she thinks is necessary to achieve an aesthetic that has been perpetuated by #dietculture, more than likely, it will have negative affects on her performance. 

Why? Because fueling to look a certain way is NOT the same as fueling for performance. When gymnasts get hung up on reaching a certain goal weight, they lose sight of what’s really important when it comes to fueling their gymnastics. Aka performance nutrition. The whole notion that thin is healthy is widely misleading. Some goal weights are just not achievable with their genetics. And can cause serious harm physically and mentally when chased at all costs. The opposite of health.

I care about your gymnast’s ability to stay healthy this competition season. Plus their ability to have enough nutrition for normal growth and development. This tells us there is enough nutrition for repair, recovery and optimal performance. And this looks different on all bodies. Let’s celebrate body diversity!

Listen to today’s episode to learn more. 

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• Weight is not the same as body composition and neither of those determine performance
• Why body weight is supposed to change for children and adolescents
• What will happen when a gymnasts tries to underfuel to reach a goal weight

 Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 45: What College Bound Gymnasts Need to Know About Nutrition with Tiffany Campbell, MS, RD, CSSD, CBDT
• Episode 2: What Should a Gymnast Weigh?
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or support@christinaandersonrdn.com