Empowering Athletes: Listening to Our Bodies in Sport

 

In our ongoing collaboration with Dove BODY CONFIDENT SPORT—a groundbreaking Online Coaching Program developed in partnership with Nike—we recently conducted the third and final session of our three-part webinar series. In this final session, we delved into the profound significance of establishing a strong connection with our bodies and listening to their cues—a practice that is pivotal for athletes, especially girls, in achieving peak performance and holistic well-being.

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Our all-star lineup of panelists featured Leslie Osborne- Olympian, Former USWNT Soccer Player; Sue Enquist- Former UCLA Softball Hall of Fame Coach; Ros Gold-Onwude- Sports Broadcaster & Former Stanford Women’s Basketball Player; and Dr. Nicole M. LaVoi- Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. Together, these esteemed individuals brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the discussion, shedding light on the profound impact of body awareness and listening to one’s body in athletic performance and overall well-being. 

Here are some key highlights for coaches and caring adults from the webinar:

1. Why Establishing a Strong Connection with the Body Matters:

Dr. LaVoi emphasized the critical importance of athletes—particularly girls—establishing a strong connection with their bodies. By tuning into bodily cues, athletes cultivate a profound understanding of their physical and mental states, empowering them to optimize their performance and overall well-being on and off the field.

2. Personal Anecdotes: Insights from Athletes Themselves:

Our esteemed panelists shared personal experiences where paying attention to bodily sensations during sporting activities proved transformative. From Ros Gold-Onwude's mindful awareness of her body's signals during basketball games to Leslie Osborne's recognition of the balance between pushing limits and avoiding harm, these anecdotes underscored the profound impact of listening to one's body in enhancing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injury.

3. Striking a Balance: Pushing Limits vs. Avoiding Harm:  

Athletes often grapple with the pressure to push through discomfort or pain in pursuit of success. However, our panelists highlighted the importance of striking a balance. By listening to their bodies and differentiating between discomfort and pain, athletes can make informed decisions that prioritize their long-term well-being while maximizing their potential for success.

4. Fostering Respect and Self-Care:

As female athletes, our panelists discussed their journey toward developing a deeper respect for their bodies and prioritizing self-care. From Coach Enquist's intentional check-ins to Ros’ mindfulness practices, these strategies empower female athletes to provide their bodies with the care and nourishment needed to perform at their best.

5. Beyond Physical Signals: The Role of Emotional and Mental Cues:  

In addition to physical cues, our panelists highlighted the significance of emotional and mental signals in athletic performance. By being attuned to these cues, athletes can enhance their self-awareness, regulate their emotions, and optimize their decision-making—factors that are instrumental in achieving peak performance.

6. Translating Listening to One's Body Beyond the Sports Field:

Beyond the confines of the sports field, the skill of listening to one's body transcends into improved self-awareness and decision-making in other areas of a female athlete's life. Whether it's navigating academic challenges, managing personal relationships, or making career decisions, the ability to tune into one's body becomes a guiding compass for empowered decision-making and holistic well-being.

 

As we conclude our three-part webinar series, we are reminded of the transformative power of listening to one's body. By establishing a strong connection with our bodies and honoring their cues, athletes—especially girls—unleash their full potential, embody resilience, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment that extends far beyond the realm of sports. Together, let us continue to champion body confidence, resilience, and holistic well-being in the lives of athletes worldwide.