14 November 2024

Working with female athletes

On Monday evening, coaches Gordon and Keith had the opportunity to attend an insightful and informative training session designed specifically for working with female athletes.

The session, organized by Club Sport Aberdeen, was led by Ginie from Spears Physiotherapy, drawing on her extensive experience as a top athlete, coach, and physiotherapist.

The two-hour workshop provided a comprehensive look into the challenges female athletes face, both young and older, during training. The session covered critical topics like the impact of menstrual cycles, peri-menopause, and menopause on performance, as well as how these factors can influence injury likelihood.

Key Takeaways from the Training:

1. Understanding Menstrual Cycles and Hormonal Changes:
   The course shed light on how hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can affect athletic performance. Coaches learned how to adjust training schedules and recovery to better support female athletes at different stages of their cycles.

2. Peri-Menopause and Menopause:
   As women transition into peri-menopause and menopause, the physical and mental stresses of training can increase. The course highlighted the importance of understanding these phases and how coaches can help modify training regimens to ensure athletes stay healthy and strong.

3. Mental vs. Physical Stress:
   One of the most important lessons was understanding that the body doesn't distinguish between mental and physical stress. This insight helps coaches recognize signs of overtraining or overload in athletes, ensuring they maintain a balance between pushing limits and providing adequate recovery.

4. The Importance of Communication:
   A key takeaway was the importance of open communication with female athletes. Talking about these often-taboo topics, like menstrual health and menopause, can help athletes feel supported and understood. Coaches need to create an environment where these conversations are welcomed.

The workshop was a great success, with both male and female coaches attending and contributing to a collaborative learning environment. This training not only gave us the tools to support our female athletes better, but it also reinforced the importance of considering the unique needs of female athletes in our coaching practices.

At Ultimate Judo, we're committed to providing the best possible support for all our athletes. This training session will undoubtedly help us better understand and address the needs of our female athletes, ensuring they can reach their full potential in training and competition.

photo courtesy of Spears Physiotherapy

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