In today's episode, we're honored to host Lisa Mitzel, a former elite gymnast, four-time NCAA champion, and esteemed mental performance coach. Our conversation revolves around the critical theme of ensuring the safety of young gymnasts in this demanding sport, coupled with a deep dive into the complexities of mental performance.

Lisa's journey in gymnastics, from her elite athlete days to coaching at Stanford, brings a wealth of firsthand experiences. Safety takes center stage in our discussion, where Lisa provides valuable insights into creating a secure training environment. From appropriate warm-ups to supervised practice, she advocates for a holistic approach that safeguards athletes and sets the groundwork for enduring success.

Beyond physical safety, Lisa delves into the mental aspects of gymnastics. As a mental performance coach, she shares practical strategies for strengthening mental resilience, addressing everything from competition stress to overcoming setbacks. Her anecdotes and expertise illuminate the transformative impact of a robust mental game in gymnastics, offering a guiding light for athletes at all levels.

In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Lisa Mitzel talk about:

How to Transform Gymnastics Culture.

Empowering Gymnasts Through Decision-Making and Learning from Mistakes.

Mental Health Education for Coaches.

Fostering Autonomy.

Unlocking Confidence with Essential Mental and Emotional Tools.

Exploring Mental Training, Emotional Intelligence, and Resources from Lisa Mitzel.

“You can't tell what's going on, on the inside when we are only looking at it from the outside.” Lisa Mitzel.

References:

Lisa Mitzel website:
https://zentigermind.com/

Dr. Lisa Damour - The emotional lives of teens:
https://drlisadamour.com/books/the-emotional-lives-of-teenagers/

Brené Brown PhD, The Gifts of Imperfection Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X