Episode 94: Does Gymnastics Stunt Growth?

Does gymnastics stunt growth? It’s quite the hot topic and many people weigh in with their own opinions. We’ve even heard conflicting opinions from medical providers. It’s such a big question that it’s actually been investigated and researched quite a bit in the past few decades by some heavy hitters such as the International Gymnastics Federation.

Some providers will give you a flippant response like, “gymnastics stunts their growth but it’s fine, they’ll catch up when they quit”. But not growing and developing while in gymnastics should be a big red flag to parents and doctors for underfueling. We need to do our due diligence to determine whether or not they’re getting enough nutrition or if something else like a hormonal issue is at play.

In today’s episode, I’m covering the 5 big questions I get on this topic of “does gymnastics stunt growth”. Listen in to learn more.

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• Normal genetic factors in gymnasts’ height vs signs of underfueling
• What causes gymnasts height failure – is it all the pounding?
• Why it’s not as simple as “they’ll grow when they quit” in the long term for gymnasts

   Links & Resources   

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 4: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and Gymnastics
• Episode 51: No Period, No Problem for the Gymnast? Not quite
• Role of Intensive Training in the Growth and Maturation of Artistic Gymnasts
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com