Case Study 1 Part 1:
Sport Selection, Description and Explanation of Nutritional
Demands
Toya Monger
February 17, 2019
HLTH 645
Selected Sport and Characteristics
College Gymnasts
Gymnastics is a prevalently anaerobic sport when viewing from an energy delivery
standpoint because it involves short exerted, high- intense movements. The constant rebounding
and high-compel landings related with every event result in a high rate of muscle, bone, and
connective tissue breakdown. Gymnasts must continue fueling for repeated bursts of jumps and
powerful movements and refurbish exhausted energy prior to the following training sessions.
They must ensure they are refueling appropriately, which can be convoluted at times by the need
to confine caloric intake to preserve a moderately lean physical make-up and ideal body weight.
Gymnasts likewise have a mindfulness that they are often evaluated against each other’s
appearances of the perfect body structure, that can prompt extraordinary measures to achieve the
conventional standard.
1. Preseason needs/concerns/differences
The most difficult part of training is during preseason and nutritional needs are very imperative.
Gymnasts typically practice twice a day with a strenuous workout, which means more
carbohydrates are needed. The most advantageous plan for training recommends two sections
per day.4 Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel and requires approximately 5-7g per
each kilogram of body weight during the intense training months.2 Protein needs are between
1.2-1.4g per kilogram of body weight.2 Some may miss out on their proper protein intake, but to
get the most out of training, preserve muscle mass, and overall replenishment, lean protein must
be included in the diet. Healthy fats such as peanut butter, nuts, avocado, and fish should be
included in their diet. To absorb fat- soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, the body need to consume
fat. Omega 3s contain anti- inflammatory benefits that protects the heart and lubricate the joints.
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It would not hurt for gymnast athletes to consume a multivitamin just in case some are not
upholding a balanced, healthy diet. Being that these athletes exert hard work on their bones,
important vitamins/ minerals to include would be calcium, and because practice and events are
held inside vitamin D should be included as well.3
2. Energy requirements and Predominate Metabolic Pathway
The gymnast energy needs and consumption relies on their individual field and training goals.
Gymnasts are constantly searching for the appropriate balance among power and weight-
cognizance. The best outcomes are with appropriate replenishment and recuperation with protein
and carbohydrates pre- and post- exercise.3 They require sufficient energy intake to improve
muscle building. This incorporates a rich carbohydrate routine diet for energy and protein along
with nutrient- rich nourishments providing the necessary materials to muscle building and the
maintenance of muscles.2 This sport utilizes both the aerobic and anaerobic energy system,
therefore it is important to train both. A time when they would use their anaerobic energy system
is when performing short bursts to produce quick surges of power to execute certain skills.
Training their endurance to produce optimal performance involves training their anaerobic
energy system to build up their aerobic energy system. Their cardiovascular system is used when
taking off in a quick sprint to execute a jump or flip.
3. Dehydration risk/hydration guidelines
Dehydration as little as 2% loss in body water adversely affects an athlete’s performance by 10-
15%.3 Even though gymnasts train indoors, hydration needs must still be met as any other
athlete. Sports drinks will help them replenish electrolytes for hydration and intake
carbohydrates for their active muscles.3 Athletes maintaining a legitimate component of
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hydration has been demonstrated to assemble execution, empower them to execute at lower
pulses and body temperatures, upgrade scholarly limit, and enhance immunological limit.2
4. Specific nutrient demands and deficiencies of concern
Individual specific nutrition demands are determined by the gymnast’s training load and goals,
their specific needs, and body composition. Nutritional diets with efficient energy and nutrients
that help avoid fatigue that could lead to bodily injuries should be in full effect during periods of
heavy training.2 Their diet should be high in carbohydrates, balanced in protein, and low in fats.
While traveling, it may be difficult to maintain a proper diet and result to eating junk and
processed foods. For this case, it may be important for the athlete to intake supplements that
include vitamins, protein, minerals, anti- oxidants, ribose, and many other important minerals.
5. Recovery needs/concerns
Once gymnasts or any other athletes are done with their training sessions, it is imperative that
they begin replenishment immediately afterwards to repair damaged muscles, tendons, and
ligaments, and replenish muscle glycogen with carbohydrates. They execute powerful
movements of bar gripping, landing from tumbling, and extensive core use. Within one hour to
an hour and a half after training, the cells are yearning for food in the forms of carbohydrates and
protein to begin repairing damaged tissue.2
6. Other challenging dietary issues particular to this sport
The particular physical structure and body physique of gymnasts support the specialized
movements of the methodology that add to their parity, flexibility, speed, and agility.1 Ongoing
research have proven that sports such as gymnastics exaggerate style and emphasize a low level
of fat so as to enhance the execution of the movements. This reasoning has added to negative
consequences for the athlete's wellbeing. In the quest for better execution, gymnasts are exposed
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to long week by week trainings and a strict caloric limitation to meet the necessities of the sport.
Be that as it may, athletes without a routine, healthy diet may bargain their health. With low
energy accessible to perform, there is a great chance of injuries occurring. There is additionally
probability of these gymnasts developing eating disorders.
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References
1. Oliveira G, Goncalves P, Oliveira T et al. Assessment of body composition, somatotype and
eating disorders in rhythmic gymnasts. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online. 2017;20(1):125+.
http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE
%7CA486284370&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon. Accessed February 17, 2019.
2. Blake JS, Munoz KD, Volpe S. Nutrition: From Science to You. 4th ed.
Boston, MA. Pearson; 2019. ISBN: 9780134668260.
3. Dunford, M & Doyle, JA (2019). Nutrition for Sport and Exercise (4th ed.). Boston, MA:
Cengage. ISBN 978-1-337-55692-7.
4. Malina R, Baxter-Jones A, Armstrong N et al. Role of Intensive Training in the Growth and
Maturation of Artistic Gymnasts. Sports Medicine. 2013;43(9):783-802. doi:10.1007/s40279-
013-0058-5
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