How does body images and changes to the body affect athletic performance

In this podcast episode, Dr. Steve Graef discusses body imaging and how extreme muscle or weight gain/losses during a session affect an athletic and their performance. What toll do these extreme's take on an athlete'ss mental health and view of themselves? Dr. Graef discusses educating oneself on why a coach may ask an athlete to make a shift in season. In addition, he offers advice to coaches bringing in athletic trainers and conditioning coaches to educate coaches, parents and athletes on how to gain/lose muscle in a safe way during the season. While wrestling and swiming are two sports that athletes experience these extremes, football players, runners and cheerleaders all look at muscle tone and fitness to perform better in their respective sports. Dr. Steve is not a nutrition expert and does not treat athletes who are having trouble with eating disorders. His discussion focuses on the mental health aspect and what parents, coaches and athletes should be aware of when the athlete is asked to make these sacrifices on their bodies.