I hope this is the correct forum for this question. I need some advice. I am 46 and prepping for my first meet. I believe I am a natural 198 but I’ve been training hard and put on some muscle and I’m weighing about 207 6 weeks out. As it is my first meet, I find myself trying to decide if I should cut or just keep gaining. I have never had to cut weight so don’t want to chance losing strength. I do feel like I could cut pretty easy as I have a little bit of bad weight around the midsection if you know what I’m saying…lol. I am 5’8 and about 16 to 18% BF.
I probably wouldn’t cut for my first meet unless you have a chance of winning something important or if the competition is part of a larger plan to qualify for a higher level competition that is important to you.
Additionally, 5’8, 207 and 16-18% body fat is pretty damn lean. How are your numbers?
Thank you for the reply! If I go to 220 I can break the state record if i decide on 198 I could set the record. Now, this depends on if someone else shows up of course but my numbers are 450-475 Squat, 305-310 bench and a poverty deadlift of roughly 475-500. I have had to switch to squat stance or close stance sumo due to lower back- hip issues. I’ll be 47 in 2 months and I’ve had Parkinson’s disease for 10 years as well.
Again thanks for the reply! The new 12 week strength template is awesome!
I woke up this morning at 202.4. Just drinking only water and cut out the honey buns in the morning! Sacrifices have to be made… I think I would be small for 220.
It’s your first meet though and without extensive previous experience I wouldn’t expect someone to be at the top of their weight class or be in a position to be competitive. Setting a state record would be cool and it sounds like it doesn’t matter which weight class you’re in soo…I probably wouldn’t cut.