Ep. 55: Mental Health, Motivation, and Meaningful Metrics in Sports

Episode Description

What happens when a single number—like body fat percentage—starts to define an athlete’s worth?

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Robyn Whitehead, a sports psychologist and exercise physiologist, to unpack a recent article in the NYT/The Athletic on “Football, Fat, and a Culture of Fear: Some Weigh Themselves Multiple Times a Day” Together, they explore how misused metrics, outdated coaching practices, and harmful language around body composition can erode trust, motivation, and mental well-being in athletes.

They offer a more compassionate, evidence-based path forward—one rooted in athlete-centered care, motivational interviewing, and inclusive communication. When used responsibly, body composition can move beyond shame and surveillance to become a tool that supports performance, protects mental health, and empowers individuals to pursue meaningful, personalized goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Why relying on body fat % alone can harm athlete trust and performance
• The mental health toll of outdated coaching practices and body surveillance

• How motivational interviewing builds connection and long-term buy-in

• The importance of athlete-centered language and personalized coaching

• What gyms and personal trainers can learn from sports psychology

• How to use body composition as a tool—not a threat—for education, support, and empowerment

About Dr. Whitehead:

Dr. Robyn Whitehead is a sports psychologist, exercise physiologist, and professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. With a background in both clinical and athletic settings, she’s passionate about inclusive, person-centered care that values mental and physical health equally. She teaches motivational interviewing and psychology of sport and exercise to future health and performance professionals.

How to Connect with Dr. Whitehead:

Instagram: @dr_robyn_whitehead