Question concering weight class

[football58]

okay im at about 173 right now on june 27th. I have a meet on August 4th. I am not sure if i try to keep my weight down to compete in the 165 class if that will slow my gains. or i just keep gaining up until the meet and enter in 181. I'll be competing in the high school class. Any thoughts on which way i should go and the reason would be appreciated

[UHCougar05]

Originally Posted by football58

okay im at about 173 right now on june 27th. I have a meet on August 4th. I am not sure if i try to keep my weight down to compete in the 165 class if that will slow my gains. or i just keep gaining up until the meet and enter in 181. I'll be competing in the high school class. Any thoughts on which way i should go and the reason would be appreciated

Is this your first meet? Unless you've cut weight before and you know how it will effect you, I would just gain weight until the meet and lift as a 181. I know a few elite lifters and they've told me, "Unless you're going for a record, don't cut weight if you don't have to." Just lift at a comfortable weight and go from there. Hope it helps.

[football58]

thanks man. and this is my second meet. my first one was in 8th grade with my football team. this is my first on my own though. I cut weight for the meet then to lift at 132. I dont think it really did anything to me energy wise.

[breathingmurder]

Originally Posted by football58

thanks man. and this is my second meet. my first one was in 8th grade with my football team. this is my first on my own though. I cut weight for the meet then to lift at 132. I dont think it really did anything to me energy wise.

Don't cut weight. I second UHCougar.

[gunzandwheelz]

I agree, I have made that mistake before. You are too close to D-day to start worrying about weight. In addition, you are only 14 don't try to obstruct your growth. You are going to be packing on some quality weight in the next few years. This is a long term venture embrace it.

[LockOut]

the biggest factor is your age..if you were 25 and really serious about competing i'd say why not...it is part of the sport and 173 to 165 is a nothing cut for 5 weeks....but your a kid (no offense) at your age you could gain 5 or 6 pounds quick...especially if you get good and hydrated...and yes at your age it will slow your over all progress, unless you have high body fat and cutting is good for you anyway.

[pete89]

im doing my first meet in september. i have all summer to train and i feel i always add alot of strength when i bulk up. rite now im at around 171-172 i was at 175 a few months ago and i stoped eating as much and droped the few pounds without trying. rite now im bulking up to about 180 so ill be at the hight of the 181 class. i hope to up my bench about 50 pounds

[Danimal]

I'm with LockOut, you are too young to worry about cutting weight, unless it was just a couple lbs and you have it to spare. Just lift as a 181, set yourself some PR's, and have fun!

[raffiki]

Don't cut.