refractometer; wrestling and hydration podcast
Wrestling is a sport where weight classes are established to better match athletes by size. Competition can be fierce within weight classes. Sometimes athletes move up and down between weight classes to better compete or simply to fill a wrestling teams roster. Moving into and or staying in and maintaining a lower weight class can be tempting and productive for a wrestler. Having any advantage over the competition, perceived or real, can sometimes make the difference.
Today we thought it would be fun to speak with someone who really knows the sport of wrestling and discuss some of the “science” behind the jockeying and positioning that goes on in the sport. Realizing that body weight is a primary factor that can leverage or influence the outcome of a match begs the question, … ” how far will a wrestler go to maximize their advantage?”
Is losing weight always healthy? What practices do wrestlers use? What are the side effects? What are the risks? What can we learn from science today to help the sport and the athletes? Can wrestling be more competitive and safe?
LISTEN to this 28 minute podcast with guests John Allman and Eric Kostenbauder. John has about 30 years of wrestling experience both as a wrestler and as a coach. Eric has also wrestled and has experience with some of the testing requirements we see today in the sport.
PODCAST TIMELINE:
-Introduction
-Wrestling/ the sport
-Wrestling practices/training
-Making weight
-Testing body fat and testing hydration
-Urine Specific Gravity
-Peer pressure/monitoring reasons and techniques
-Refractometers; “Pen Wrestling” handheld refractometer
-Reasons for testing
-Making it safe while educating wrestlers
Coach John Allman
