Nutrition and Optimal Physical Health for Performing Artists and Circus Artists
In the same way an athlete prepares for match day, performers need specific and optimised health advice in order to prepare for performance.
Performing is a physically demanding activity that requires the right preparation and post performance planning.
Healthcare professionals can help create an optimised environment for performers to minimise burnout and maximise performance before, during and after shows and performances.
In this BAPAM CPD, we take a dual perspective.
Sally Freeman, British Dietetic Dietitian and founder of EatSleepRaveRelax will discuss how nutrition can enhance performance, optimal nutrition for performers (especially on tour) and how myths and challenges around supplementation.
Bethany Shum, Chartered Physiotherapist and founder of Flexibility Matters will use the case of circus performers to discuss load management and recovery strategies. Circus artists engage in high-impact, extreme flexibility, and powerful movements in their training and performance and so provide an excellent lens with which to consider how healthcare providers can help to manage load and improve recovery strategies.
Sally Freeman, British Dietetic Dietitian
With over 20 years of experience working with 2,000+ artists and DJs, Sally J Freeman brings knowledge and experience of the music industry and expertise as a registered dietitian and mental health advocate to this new initiative.
Sally is a British Dietetic Dietitian specialising in mental health, disability, neurodiversity, women’s health, and the gut biome.
She is now combining this knowledge with a love for the music industry to help Artists achieve their health and well-being goals, become more resilient and prevent burnout.
Sally is the founder of EatSleepRaveRelax. The organisation provides personalised nutrition and evidence based strategies for Artists, focused on preventing burnout, building resilience, and supporting holistic living. They have a team of healthcare professionals with HCPC registration to offer evidence-based clinical advice.
During this session, Sally will discuss:
Optimal nutrition for Performers – what and when to eat for a performance and post performance
Nutritional problems experienced by Performers, Artists and Crew – notes from touring.
Supplementation
Bethany Shum, Chartered Physiotherapist (HCPC, MCSP)
Beth Shum is a Chartered Physiotherapist (HCPC, MCSP) based in the UK with a Masters in Performing Arts Medicine from UCL (2022). She is the founder of Flexibility Matters Physiotherapy, a physical health care service dedicated to pre- and professional performing artists in central London. She is also an award-winning entrepreneur (UCL Hatchery Newbie Award & Ciac Golden Heart Covid-19 Award).
Her career began in the NHS, progressing to the role of Specialist Pain Physiotherapist before shifting her focus to performance medicine. Being an active Gymnast and Cheerleader from a young age, Beth is passionate about performers’ Health and longevity. This inspired her founding Flexibility Matters Physio and partnering with the National School of Circus Arts, where she delivers lectures on circus medicine, supports circus health research, and provides specialized health provisions for students.
Beyond this, she has gained extensive experience in the performance world, including working with Team England ParaCheer, the Gymnastics Commonwealth Games, and the British Cheerleading Association (BCA) Cheer & Dance. Her research on “Pain in acrobatic performers and athletes” has won the Mike Shipley Research Award, and she has shared her expertise at international conferences, including the PAMA Symposium, IAMDS Annual Conference, and the BCA British Coaches Conference.
Beth is actively involved in consultancy work, being on Sport Cheer England’s Medical Committee. She is driven to help performers and artistic athletes overcome injuries and physical challenges through workshops, courses, and one-on-one physiotherapy sessions.
During This Session, Bethany Will Discuss:
Physical Demands of Circus Performance – Understanding the unique physical challenges faced by circus artists
Load Management & Exercise Planning – How to balance training intensity, volume, and recovery to avoid burnout and maximize performance.
Recovery Strategies & Injury Prevention – Active recovery techniques, and myofascial release for acrobats/aerialists/performers!
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BAPAM training events are ideal for healthcare and education practitioners working in the performing arts who wish to deepen their understanding and enhance their skills. Expert led sessions explore research, evidence and practice to treat and prevent common and complex health problems specific to artists, creators and performance professionals. We share knowledge and invite discussion on key topics in current performing arts medicine practice. Our approach is multidisciplinary: physiological and psychological care for healthy and sustainable creative practice.
Online sessions are held on the last Wednesday of the month from 7pm BST. Most sessions are recorded for ticket holders who cannot attend on the day (please check the event description).