Health and Diet
There is a huge advantage for a gymnast if she is light and compact, therefore, she can perform various skills without having to weigh herself down. But, it is very important that the gymnast is strong, strong enough to lift herself. Typically, a girl gymnast will be short, slim, have short limbs, narrow hips and broad shoulders (mesomorph).
Since gymnastics starts at a young age, it is crucial that gymnasts are on healthy diets. Firstly, a gymnast needs a lot of energy to warm up, perform and practice her skills, and condition. Nutritionists say that a gymnast should be on a diet where they eat five or six small meals and snacks per day. They should also eat a small meal or snack with a high carbohydrate count approximately an hour before going to train or compete. With a high carb snack, they will have a lot of energy and perform well. It is very essential for gymnasts to always be hydrated; therefore they must be drinking water throughout the day and throughout training. After practice or training, gymnasts should then again have a high-carb snack to restore energy because hundreds of calories are burned during sessions. Carbo-loading is not as necessary for a gymnast then it is for high endurance sports.