Is This the Silent Injury Holding Women Athletes Back?

Let's Discuss

Is This the Silent Injury Holding Women Athletes Back?

What's going on: When Manchester City learned some of its players were skipping certain warm-up exercises, the club discovered a larger issue, according to The Athletic. Over time, more team members admitted they’d been lifting lighter weights, toning down jumps, drinking less fluids, or making multiple trips to the bathroom pregame. The reason? They wanted to avoid the potential embarrassment of leaking. Not only was this taking a physical toll, but a mental one. In response, one of the most elite soccer clubs in the world is trying to change the conversation on a rarely talked-about muscle group: the pelvic floor. The club teamed up with a physiotherapist to teach players that, like other parts of the body, the pelvic floor can be trained to reduce injury and dysfunction.

Our take: Women soccer players aren’t the only ones navigating pelvic floor issues — they affect athletes across various sports (even men) and are a leading reason why many girls drop out of athletics. While Manchester City takes matters into its own hands with treatment and harm reduction, this raises a larger question: What more could we know if women’s bodies were better studied? It shouldn’t take a wave of injuries or women having to admit they’re embarrassed to warm up for there to be change. Equity in sport isn’t just about equal pay — it’s about equal care, equal research, and equal respect for how women’s bodies move and recover.

Related: Trinity Rodman Suffered Another Injury — and Everyone’s Asking the Same Question (ESPN) 

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

🏈 Is QB Joe Burrow really using crystals to help heal his turf toe?

🏅 Suni Lee’s response to criticism about her Victoria’s Secret runway walk is a perfect 10.

🍽️ Dining at Travis Kelce’s restaurant costs how much?

🎤 Adele popped up unexpectedly at this sporting event. Hello from the other side? 

🏀 WNBA players could be in for a “big increase” in pay. We’ll believe it when we see it.

❤️‍🩹 Not even David Beckham knew the extent of the secret his wife, Victoria, was keeping.

Timeout...

Why you need to get ready for Sho-time at the World Series...

The LA Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays will go up to bat in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday. And if the matchup is anything like either team’s divisional championship series, we’re in for a real treat. To recap: There was Shohei Ohtani’s legendary performance against the Milwaukee Brewers — he threw six scoreless innings and hit three home runs. And the Blue Jays’ George Springer crushed a three-run homer in a nail-biting Game 7. (Sorry to the Seattle Mariners fans banking on that Etsy witch). Time to get the Cracker Jacks ready.

TOGETHER WITH BEATS

Turn This Up

This week on Well Played: The NFL coach who's amplifying women's voices.

Put Us In, Coach

Here’s what else you can catch in the episode. Blake and Caroline break down:

• Kylie Kelce’s issue with this common phrase

• Maya Rudolph’s unexpected pick for her favorite SNL guest host

• The reason some fans are calling this NFL matchup the AARP Bowl

In Her Court

Professional athletes share what’s on their mind with theSkimm. We caught up with Olympic Sprinter Gabby Thomas, who shared how she balances everything from her advocacy work and wedding planning to what drives her while training.

“On the track, compassion means being aware of my impact on the sport and everyone in it. It’s about celebrating other people’s wins, encouraging my teammates, and reminding myself that we’re all part of something bigger than just running — especially right now, in this moment of elevating women’s sports.”

PS: Check out the full interview here.

Just Trust Us

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

Bad news: your yoga mat is overdue for a cleaning. Good news: we have eight expert-recommended products that can help. 

If you’re an aspiring marathon runner, these ultra-cushioned sneakers will take you from training day to finish line with unmatched comfort. 

We (finally) found customizable dumbbells that will upgrade your workout, without looking like a total eyesore.