New with questions about weight cuts.

[rdu4u]

So i just got started in raw powerlifting about 3 weeks ago. I did a few bench contest a while back(15yrs) but now i am at a gym with some real competitive lifters. I am 5'8 192lbs 34yrs and my current #'s are 275bench 440dead and 385squat. I am going to do a push pull event feb 20. My question is do i try and cut to 181 or go 198? I went to my local supplement store today and busted 150bucks on Vits,zma,krealanine,tribulus,and xtend. I want to eat sleep and breathe powerlifting from now to the event to see what i can do. Also, im not finding a lot of info out there about raw lifting techniques and programs, where can i find more info? Thanks

 

[Scotsman]

Honestly if I were you I'd go as a 198. Especially since you are just starting out get used to the feel of competing before you start addin in a weight cut. There's a very good chance that adding in that supplement list that you'll be over 198 by mid feb. As of now an 11 lb weight cut isn't too bad, but if you pack on even 6-7 more you're looking at an 18lb cut which would be close to 10% of your bodyweight and after about 7% you start losing a lot of strength.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[rdu4u]

thanks! thats the info i was looking for. I have cut weight in the past for Martial Arts events but wondered about loosing strength. I really need to get my numbers up though 198 has some big #'s.

 

[Scotsman]

Yeah the 198's are one of the more competitive classes now. As far as raw training techniques they don't really differ that much from the equipped training. Programs like westside's are about identifying weak spots and making them into strengths. Just because you aren't using equipment doesn't mean you can't still use box squats, chains, bands, deficit deads, and all the tools in the box. Best thing is to find what works for you and run with it.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[rdu4u]

and what is the perfect powerlifting diet? I plant to stock up on brown rice and chicken breasts this weekend.

 

[Scotsman]

and what is the perfect powerlifting diet? I plant to stock up on brown rice and chicken breasts this weekend.

Again there isn't one answer to that question. Depends on what phase you are in. When I bulk I add in a lot of red meat and increase the overall fat intake. Be sure to not try to follow a strict bodybuilding type diet as you neet more carbs and fats for energy and joint health. Always remember that if you start feeling rundown or tired that eating more is a good place to start.

Cheers,
Scotsman