In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with gymnastics physical therapist Dr. Jenny Borda to talk about one of the hardest things for gymnasts, parents, and coaches to navigate: knowing the difference between being sore, being scared, and being injured.

I see this come up all the time with athletes who are unsure when they should speak up about pain. They worry their coach will think they are making excuses, or they are afraid that saying something means they will miss a competition. Jenny and I talk about why communication early on matters, and why creating a safe space for athletes to share what they are feeling can make such a difference.

Jenny breaks down how pain is not always a sign of injury, but it is always information worth paying attention to. We talk about the “green,” “yellow,” and “red” zones and how athletes can learn to understand what their bodies are telling them instead of immediately feeling like they have to either push through or stop completely.

We also dive into something I see often in gymnastics: when fear and pain become connected. Sometimes an athlete’s body reacts because something feels unsafe, even when there is not a clear injury. Jenny explains why we should not dismiss that experience and why asking the right questions can help uncover what is really going on.

In this episode you will hear

• Why gymnasts are afraid to tell someone when they are hurting
• How parents and coaches can respond in a way that builds trust
• The difference between soreness, fear, pain, and injury
• Why communication can prevent bigger problems
• How athletes can better understand their own bodies
• Why caring for the athlete matters beyond gymnastics

This conversation is an important reminder that supporting gymnasts is not just about getting through the next practice or competition. It is about helping athletes feel heard, supported, and confident in understanding their bodies throughout their journey.

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