Mental Health, Motivation, and Meaningful Metrics in Sports

Episode Summary

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 discuss how metrics like body fat percentage can impact athletes’ motivation, identity, and mental health.

Using a recent article in The Athletic and New York Times as a jumping-off point, they explore how outdated coaching practices and misused measurements contribute to a culture of fear and body shame—especially in football and weight-class sports. Dr. Whitehead shares strategies rooted in athlete-centered care and motivational interviewing to help coaches, clinicians, and sports professionals reframe performance metrics and foster trust.

This is a must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of sports, psychology, and health—offering a more compassionate, evidence-based path forward for evaluating and supporting athletes.

Key Takeaways

• The danger of numbers as identity – When athletes are reduced to a single metric, their self-worth and motivation can suffer.
• Outdated norms in sports – Many practices in strength and conditioning still rely on fear-based tactics and appearance-focused goals.
• Why language matters – Words used to describe athletes’ bodies carry long-lasting psychological weight and influence trust.
• Body composition, reframed – Tools like bioimpedance analysis can support performance when used to inform—not define—the athlete.
• Athlete-centered care – Coaching and counseling rooted in trust, autonomy, and personal goals can enhance both mental health and performance.
• Redefining success – Shifting the focus from weight to function, confidence, and skill development supports long-term resilience.

About Dr. Robyn Whitehead

Dr. Robyn Whitehead is a sports psychologist and exercise physiologist focused on athlete mental health, motivation, and performance. She works with individuals and teams across levels to address the psychological aspects of injury, identity, training, and recovery. With a dual background in sports science and psychology, she helps athletes thrive beyond metrics—using evidence-based strategies to support resilience, trust, and motivation.

Connect with Dr. Whitehead

💼 LinkedIn
📧 robyn.whitehead@gmail.com