Best Off Season Weight Ratio?

[mphgrove]

Let’s say you generally compete at 185 to 190 lbs (84 - 87). Could you share your past experiences/opinions on what is best off season range for strength and building, yet within striking distance? You only compete once or maybe twice a year.

[IroNat]

Stay within 10% of stage weight.

[oldtimer1]

Franco, Arnold and Zane gained weight training for a contest.

[IroNat]

Franco, Arnold and Zane gained weight training for a contest.

But they ate lots of eggs.

Eggs are bad because they contain cholesterol.

 

[BB]

Let’s say you generally compete at 185 to 190 lbs (84 - 87). Could you share your past experiences/opinions on what is best off season range for strength and building, yet within striking distance? You only compete once or maybe twice a year.

20-25lbs above stage weight at that range is safe. 10-15% above contest is safe I think, and you're doing the 3-4 month diet thing. Thinking back, 10%ish above goal was where I felt best mentally, physically, etc....

If you want to think of it in bodyfat ranges, 10-12% is the highest I've seen recommended across a range of gurus.

[Coach is Back!]

Let’s say you generally compete at 185 to 190 lbs (84 - 87). Could you share your past experiences/opinions on what is best off season range for strength and building, yet within striking distance? You only compete once or maybe twice a year.

What's the off season cycle like? Generally, stay within 10% unless you're trying to move up a class or two

[mphgrove]

What's the off season cycle like? Generally, stay within 10% unless you're trying to move up a class or two

Older competitor, very mild cycle (s). Definitely not at a stage for moving up class category (irrelevant). Sometimes struggle with getting down to best body fat percentage (enjoy life, diet discipline factors). So I am feeling like 8% to 10% over contest weight based on what I am beginning to hear here.

[Coach is Back!]

Older competitor, very mild cycle (s). Definitely not at a stage for moving up class category (irrelevant). Sometimes struggle with getting down to best body fat percentage (enjoy life, diet discipline factors). So I am feeling like 8% to 10% over contest weight based on what I am beginning to hear here.

Then IMO, you're right on. But no matter what my weight was (was never over 10%) I took a full 19 weeks for prep. The 2019 Cal was 19 weeks. I started at 210 and weighed in at 194. Taking that long gave me a chance a to grow into the show.

[Rambone]

Let’s say you generally compete at 185 to 190 lbs (84 - 87). Could you share your past experiences/opinions on what is best off season range for strength and building, yet within striking distance? You only compete once or maybe twice a year.

Yes.