Going back to school changes almost everything about your gymnast's day.

She's waking up earlier, using her brain for hours at school, managing homework, planning meals and snacks, and then heading to a demanding gymnastics practice—all while trying to maintain the same level of performance she had during the summer.

Stacie and Ali explain why this transition can lead to mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, changes in focus, and temporary setbacks in the gym.

They also share practical ways parents can support their gymnast, including helping her understand that mental fatigue is real, allowing time for her brain to rest, supporting proper fueling, protecting sleep, and resisting the urge to panic when progress isn't perfectly linear.

Your gymnast doesn't need to perform exactly the same every day to be making progress.

Sometimes she simply needs time to adjust.

00:00 – Why gymnasts often struggle when school starts
01:22 – Schedule changes and why change can feel difficult
02:00 – Mental fatigue after a full day of school
03:00 – Physical fatigue and earlier mornings
04:00 – Why sleep becomes a major issue for gymnasts
05:00 – The challenge of planning nutrition and fueling
06:00 – Why school transitions can affect gymnastics performance
08:00 – Why temporary setbacks don't mean something is wrong
09:00 – How parents can help their gymnast manage mental fatigue
10:21 – Why gymnasts need mental breaks during practice
11:17 – Nutrition and supporting mental and physical energy
12:00 – Why the transition is harder than the routine itself
Later in the episode – Supporting your gymnast without panic or pressure
Later in the episode – Creating realistic expectations during back-to-school season

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