Thoughts on Cutting Weight and Wrestling at the High School Level
As somebody who has been around the sport for many years of experience, I've seen many wrestlers (and parents) struggle with the decision of whether or not to cut weight in order to compete in a lower weight class. While there are certainly benefits to cutting weight, there are also some downsides that wrestlers should be aware of before making a decision. In this post, I'll discuss the pros and cons of cutting weight for wrestling, and the short-term and long-term results of doing so.
Pros of Cutting Weight for Wrestling:
Advantage on the mat: By cutting weight, wrestlers can compete in a lower weight class, which may give them an advantage on the mat. They may be able to overpower their opponents and move more quickly, which can increase their chances of winning.
Improved body composition: By losing weight, wrestlers can improve their body composition and become leaner and more muscular. This can be beneficial for their overall health and fitness, as well as their performance on the mat. Some kids have some baby fat and its amazing to see how they preform after they trim down.
Enhanced discipline: Cutting weight requires a lot of discipline and self-control, which can be valuable skills for wrestlers to develop. They'll learn how to set goals, create a plan, and stick to it, which can help them achieve success not just in wrestling, but in other areas of their lives as well.
Cons of Cutting Weight for Wrestling:
Increased risk of injury: Cutting weight too aggressively can put wrestlers at an increased risk of injury. Dehydration and malnutrition can take a serious toll on the body, making wrestlers more susceptible to injury on the mat.
Decreased performance: When wrestlers cut weight too aggressively, they may not have enough energy or strength to perform at their best on the mat. Ever see a wrestler cramp up during a match? Its not pretty. Cutting weight too aggressively can result in losses and cause frustration for the wrestler.
Mental health risks: The pressure to maintain a certain weight class can be incredibly stressful for wrestlers, and can lead to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating behaviors. I don’t know if you’ve ever cut weight over the holidays, but this is no fun at all. This can have serious long-term consequences for both the wrestler's physical and mental health. Ever cut weight so hard, you don’t laugh or smile? Thats not a great place to be.
Ultimately, it's important for wrestlers to prioritize their health and well-being above all else. While cutting weight may provide some short-term benefits, the long-term risks are simply not worth it. As coaches, it's our job to help wrestlers develop healthy and sustainable weight management plans that prioritize their long-term health and success on the mat. By doing so, we can help our wrestlers reach their full potential both on and off the mat.
