Two day wrestling tournaments are challenging for a wrestler who is cutting weight. That is because you typically have to weigh in twice. There are good ways and bad ways to keep your weight under control. The goal should be to maintain your weight after your first weigh in, but still give yourself energy to wrestle you best. Let’s discuss a few points to help a wrestler wrestle to his/her full potential and still make weight for that second weigh in.

Smart Wrestlers Already Have Their Weight Down

Hopefully you aren’t one of those wrestlers who waited till the last week to lose weight. If you are the wrestler who planned ahead and followed a good wrestling weight loss plan and drank plenty of water, then you get an “Atta Boy”. That means you came in under weight and fully hydrated. Keeping your weight under control should be no big deal for you.

Unfortunately a lot wrestlers will procrastinate and not follow the best diet plan. These are the wrestlers who waited till the week of the tournament and pulled a lot of weight and are probably dehydrated. Making weight for the second weigh in will be a challenge for those wrestlers. While it is more difficult, there are thing you can do to give yourself the best advantage.

Stay Away from Concession Stand

If you’re close on your weight, you should avoid the concession stand at all costs. Most of the food has very little nutritional value. Candy and nachos will not give you the energy you need.

Bring your own food

You need energy to wrestle. You need to bring your own food and you should pack your cooler with nutrient dense foods. When you’re close on weight, you need foods that will sustain you and don’t weight much. Every ounce counts. I would suggest foods like whole grain pasta, fruit, turkey sandwiches, or peanut butter sandwiches (use whole grain bread).

If you can afford to, you might take a look at the undefeated sports cookie. They are expensive but provide the energy you will need. I like them, but I would prefer to pack foods that I prepared myself.

Eat and Drink often, but Don’t Over Do it

You’re going to need food and water to succeed on that first day. You should eat 6-10 times during that first day. Don’t eat more than you need to. Keep your meals small. An example of a small meal, would be a cup of cooked whole grain pasta and 4 ounces of Gatorade.

Bring a Scale to the tournament

If you can afford a decent digital scale, bring it to the tournament. Make sure it is calibrated so you know you can rely on it. Use it to keep track of your weight throughout the day.

Do you have any comments?

I know that making weight for that second weigh in is tough. If you’re committed, you can give yourself every advantage to succeed for a two day wrestling tournament. If you have any comments or feedback, we would love to hear from you. Post a comment at the end of this article or on our Facebook page. I hope you enjoyed the article. Thanks for reading and have a great day!