| Over the years, I have counseled many elite gymnasts. | | | | kids about sound nutrition and healthy eating for |
| Recently, an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics from | | | | athletes. |
| Japan came to my offices to learn about my | | | | The obsession with weight is a problem within our |
| approaches to counseling top athletes. The gold | | | | general culture, but it appears to be exponentially |
| medalist, who also has a bronze medal in the high bar | | | | worse in the world of gymnasts. |
| came with approximately twenty therapists who also | | | | Third, a lot of girls who experience a growth spurt can |
| counsel and coach athletes. | | | | no longer perform the way they did when they were |
| Most of the gymnasts I have counseled have been | | | | smaller and lighter. This change can be quite upsetting |
| females. And these frequently experience significant | | | | to a gymnast who was finding the sport to be quite |
| amounts of stress. The stress comes from a number | | | | easy prior to their physical changes. |
| of sources. | | | | Fourth, some gyms and coaches have a rather militant |
| First, many gymnasts get frightened after they have | | | | approach to training gymnasts. This kind of philosophy |
| been injured while trying a new move or while pushing | | | | or method is right for some children, but it is not suitable |
| themselves during a competition. They present with | | | | for all kids. |
| symptoms that are very much like post traumatic | | | | Fifth, some gyms are not careful enough in helping |
| stress disorder. Many gymnasts who I have counseled | | | | youngsters to avoid injuries. |
| report concerns about significant and multiple injuries | | | | Sixth, the conflicts between youngsters, coaches and |
| which can frighten them and impair their ability to | | | | parents are widespread and quite intense in this sport. |
| perform to their potential. | | | | Seventh, many gyms neglect to provide adequate |
| Also, if they pressured to compete while they are | | | | training in the mental aspects of competing in |
| injured, they can be at risk for an additional injury. You | | | | gymnastics. |
| can't do well in gymnastics if an injury or a fear of | | | | Recently, a young gymnast called me. When she got |
| being injured in clouding your mind and your thinking. | | | | on the phone, she marked, "Dr. Granat, I know your |
| Second, many female gymnasts report tremendous | | | | voice. We play one of your cd programs in the gym I |
| pressure to maintain a low body weight. Some engage | | | | train in all the time." I was quite happy to hear that one |
| in bulimic behavior to avoid being ridiculed by coaches | | | | of my programs was being used to help some |
| and other athletes. And many gyms fail to educate | | | | gymnasts with the mental aspects of the game. |
