Perfect Balance: A Young Athlete's Guide to the World of Gymnastics

Konner, Julia: - Julia Konner, MPH, is a former collegiate Division 1 student-athlete and coach with more than 16 years of competing as an artistic gymnast. Through her many years as a club athlete, collegiate athlete, and team captain, she has faced her own adversities through injuries, body image issues, and ways that the time requirements of training 30+ hours/week impacted her social life. Over the years she has helped countless young and college-aged athletes navigate the complicated, arduous, and time-consuming sport of gymnastics. Through her personal experience and intricate knowledge of the sport, Konner provides evidence-based advice for young gymnasts at every level and continues to mentor young gymnasts and collegiate student-athletes through the ups and downs of the sport of gymnastics.

Konner holds a Master's in Public Health from the University of California, Davis. During and after finishing her graduate work, she worked in research and program management related to prevention and mitigation of chronic diseases through healthier lifestyle habits. She remains active as a competitive CrossFit athlete, focused on both the physical side of strength as well as the mental. She currently lives in Washington, D.C., and works in public health.