The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast
Welcome to The Gymnast Nutritionist® podcast, a free resource for gymnast, parents, and coaches to learn to fuel the gymnast optimal performance and longevity int he sport. Christina Anderson MS, RDN, CSP, CSSD is a board certified pediatric/adolescent registered dietitian nutritionist, former gymnast, and current nationally rated gymnastics judge. She helps gymnasts and their parents take a proactive approach to fueling, without the stress or overwhelm. This podcast is all #realtalk where she tackles tough subjects about nutrition, body image, and more in the sport of gymnastics.
The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast
Episode 186: Why Gymnasts Say They Want to Feel Light When Competing (And What Actually Works)
“My gymnast just wants to feel light when competing.”
If you’ve heard this phrase, or your gymnast has said it herself, this episode is for you.
When a gymnast says she wants to feel light when competing, she might THINK she's talking about a number on the scale. But she’s really trying to describe something deeper. She wants to move faster. She wants to feel powerful and explosive. She wants skills to feel effortless instead of heavy and stuck. She wants to look dynamic, confident, and sharp under pressure.
But here’s the problem.
Most gymnasts are chasing the feeling of being “light” in ways that actually make them feel slower, weaker, flatter, and more anxious when it matters most.
In today’s episode, we break down what it really takes to achieve a faster, more powerful and dynamic way of competing. And why so many gymnasts are unintentionally sabotaging that goal.
You’ll learn the three biggest mistakes gymnasts make when trying to feel light in the gym, and what actually matters from a physiological, nervous system, and fueling standpoint.
If your gymnast has been chasing that “light” feeling by eating less, skipping meals, or fearing fuel, this conversation will shift how you think about performance forever.
Because the gymnasts who look light aren’t empty.
They’re prepared.
🎧 Listen now and learn more about why Gymnasts Say They Want to Feel Light When Competing (And What Actually Works)
Links & Resources
- Episode 77: Gymnast Nervous Stomach and Competition Nutrition
- The Ultimate Guide to Gymnastics Competition Season Nutrition
- The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts
- Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com
