By Justin Goonan, Universal Sports Strength
Photo Credit: PikWizard.com
How will adding weight affect your performance? Consider the performance costs and benefits of adding body weight. Being 10 pounds heavier could make you a little harder to counter-ruck, but it might not be productive if you’re slower getting to the breakdown or can’t stay on the pitch as long anymore.
Will the increased size introduce new risks? Gaining weight adds stress to your joints and can limit your range of motion. If your body doesn’t adapt quickly enough to control the extra mass, you’ll face an increased risk of injury.
If you’re still sure that getting bigger is what’s best for you, here are a few things to bear in mind:
-What kind of weight are you trying to gain? Eating a lot of unhealthy food might help you gain weight, but it’s certainly not a recipe for peak performance. Athletes should strive to add lean muscle, which is denser than body fat and much more efficient at generating and absorbing force.
-How soon do you hope to achieve this goal? Trying to gain a significant amount of weight during a four-week break might require some unhealthy habits that would be counterproductive to your overall goals—and possibly even dangerous to your health. -How will you ensure that you’re adding weight safely and efficiently? The number on the scale doesn’t tell the entire story. Ensure you’re getting sound guidance from a certified professional committed to tracking your progress and monitoring potential changes in your body fat percentage.
Want more information? Send an email to universalsportsstrength@gmail.com to ask Justin questions specific to you and your personal goals. Follow him on Youtube as well!
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