# First meet and choosing a weight class **URL:** \ **Category:** Nutrition Q&A \[Moderated\]\ **Created:** [September 4, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/first-meet-and-choosing-a-weight-class/3248 "2018-09-04T20:12:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![myoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@myoman](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/myoman)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/first-meet-and-choosing-a-weight-class/3248/1 "2018-09-04T20:12:11Z")
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. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/first-meet-and-choosing-a-weight-class/3248/2 "2018-09-05T14:02:01Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![myoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@myoman](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/myoman)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/first-meet-and-choosing-a-weight-class/3248/3 "2018-09-05T15:04:05Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![myoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@myoman](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/myoman)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2018, 7:54pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/first-meet-and-choosing-a-weight-class/3248/4 "2018-09-06T19:54:11Z")
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. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2018, 9:08pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/first-meet-and-choosing-a-weight-class/3248/5 "2018-09-06T21:08:26Z")
> [@myoman](#): > > 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. > > Thanks! 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.