The increase of strength, lean mass & weight with the absence of increased body-fat within a competitive wrestler

The aim of the case study is to help increase the weight of a competitive wrestler (Mark) by improving his strength & lean mass, without causing him to gain ‘deadweight'. Currently Mark is weighing 82kg and has been competing in the weight category of 79.1kg. Mark now has 8 months to gain 1.6kg of lean mass during the offseason. So that he may compete in a higher weight class and potentially reach a weight of 89.5kg in two year's time. However to achieve his previous weight class of 79.1kg, Mark has undergone methods which have had an effect of his digestive system. To make the weight class Mark has dieted hard with intensive exercise. Not only that but he has used dehydration strategies such as fluid restriction, saunas and laxatives. This is known as ‘weight cycling'; whereby a wrestler will train at a higher intensity and weight, than required within the weight division at which they wish to compete. They then drop unnecessary weight through these methods to compete at a lower weight. Of which has lead to an effect on Marks metabolism; this means that he is able to gain weight and body fat easily as his metabolic rate has decreased. This case study will help illustrate the negative effects of methods such as these and help to provide Mark with appropriate nutrition guidelines so that he can adapt them to his training regime.