When you think of wrestling, one of the things that comes to mind is a wrestler that needs to be "cutting" weight. Wrestling is a great sport, but there is definitely a negative stigma associated with wrestlers needing to lose weight and compete in a lighter weight class. Maintaining and well thought out nutrition program that fits the individual is an essential step in maintaining your desired weight. At the Wrestling Dojo, our system does not advocate for wrestlers to skip a meal or cut weight. We've created an alternative approach to the process. We have also changed the traditional experience of physical weight cutting. Instead of losing weight as a result of long lasting low intensity workouts, we recommend a short, high intensity workout. Here are some insights on the program:
First, it's important to answer this question, "What is the purpose of my workout?" If your work out is for losing weight, then you are taking steps to becoming a Champion at Weight Loss, but not necessarily a Champion at Wrestling. You could be a CHAMPION at WEIGH-INS, but I'm willing to bet that is not your goal. So why would you waste your time, energy, and effort for the purpose of weighing-in?
It's important to approach each workout as an opportunity to train and prepare for wrestling matches and not cutting weight. The real battle we are all training for is the wrestling, not stepping on the scale. If your workout becomes a weight cutting workout when it should be a training workout you are training for the wrong purposes. Therefore your workouts need to be designed to improve your cardiovascular endurance, including sprint work outs and quick-step jump roping. Doing these type of workouts with a heavy layers of sweats and "weight cutting clothes"will only slow you down and prevent you from getting optimal training. Although a low intensity workout is good once in a while, it's essential to maintain a high level intensity in your workouts and not allow your training sessions to become weight cutting sessions.
In order to have the ability to train at a high intensity, you need to have energy. Energy is a result of what we put inside our mouths. You need to take a very critical look at your nutrition program. No this is not a diet, it's a nutritional program for wrestlers, designed to fuel your body with the energy it needs to perform at an elite level. It is essential that we NEVER skip meals. Your car will not run on empty and the human body works in a similar way... As a matter of fact, a "crash diet" program where you begin to skip meals will put your body in a catabolic state. Once you've entered this phase you body will begin to eat into your muscles at a source of quick fuel and store fat as a way to hibernate energy. Losing muscle mass and gaining fatty tissue will not help your performance on the mat. Our next article will feature more on creating an effective nutritional program. In order to gain a deeper understanding of weight loss associated with wrestling, we recommend all coaches and especially parents to look into reading, "The effects and risks of extreme weight loss on the body of a wrestler." by Joseph C. Gunter.
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| A recommended reading for all wrestling coaches |
It's important to approach each workout as an opportunity to train and prepare for wrestling matches and not cutting weight. The real battle we are all training for is the wrestling, not stepping on the scale. If your workout becomes a weight cutting workout when it should be a training workout you are training for the wrong purposes. Therefore your workouts need to be designed to improve your cardiovascular endurance, including sprint work outs and quick-step jump roping. Doing these type of workouts with a heavy layers of sweats and "weight cutting clothes"will only slow you down and prevent you from getting optimal training. Although a low intensity workout is good once in a while, it's essential to maintain a high level intensity in your workouts and not allow your training sessions to become weight cutting sessions.
In order to have the ability to train at a high intensity, you need to have energy. Energy is a result of what we put inside our mouths. You need to take a very critical look at your nutrition program. No this is not a diet, it's a nutritional program for wrestlers, designed to fuel your body with the energy it needs to perform at an elite level. It is essential that we NEVER skip meals. Your car will not run on empty and the human body works in a similar way... As a matter of fact, a "crash diet" program where you begin to skip meals will put your body in a catabolic state. Once you've entered this phase you body will begin to eat into your muscles at a source of quick fuel and store fat as a way to hibernate energy. Losing muscle mass and gaining fatty tissue will not help your performance on the mat. Our next article will feature more on creating an effective nutritional program. In order to gain a deeper understanding of weight loss associated with wrestling, we recommend all coaches and especially parents to look into reading, "The effects and risks of extreme weight loss on the body of a wrestler." by Joseph C. Gunter.
Come learn more about proper weight management for wrestlers with Coach Beau Weiner and Coach Eliot Kelly at the Wrestling Dojo in El Dorado Hills, CA. The wrestling program at EDH is designed to instill beginner wrestlers with life lasting habits, while providing experienced wrestlers with a set of tools specifically catered to the individual.
(916) 595 4064
Weight Management for Wrestlers and Grapplers.
You don't understand the concept of weight cutting, or even the reason for it, it would appear. Terrible.
ReplyDeleteIt would also appear that you didn't read what I wrote….. Can I help clarify? And to be frank, I've done my share of weight cutting in high school and college.
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