Topic: Ideal Weight Class

[Jim Storch]

What is the best way to determine ones ideal weightclass?

[Rhys Lucero]

Many coaches have noticed a connection between an athletes squat and weightlifting total.  There are bodyweight correction formulae for weightlifting and for powerlifting.  The respective formulae indicate similar corrections for bodyweight and weightlifting ability.  

With this information in mind, I think one of the easiest ways to determine ideal weight class is to look at the squatting ability of the lifter.  It is much easier to determine whether someone might be able to squat more weight by adding or subtracting bodyweight than to evaluate how weight fluctuations might affect the weightlifting total.  If changing weight will significantly improve the squat, move weight classes.  If it won't, then best stay put.

[Steve Gough]

Rhys,

I submit to you another idea. Abajiev talks of the "quality of muscle". It would be most interesting if the IWF scientific community had any kind of research/findings on the "bodyfat" content of its world class lifters (even supers). For sometime I've believed that we haven't used this valuable tool/test like we should be. Its another way to check the correctness of diet and training and just maybe where a lifter belongs weightclass-wise and what exactly are the parameters we should be shooting for. It's not about squatting its about the lifts.

Steve

[Terry Thompson]

~ Here's my take on it...

~~~ Consider ALL the FACTORS:  (the first three are GENETIC)
~~~ Body Type: Mesomorph/Ectomorph/Endomorph or (like the GREAT majority of us), somewhere in between.  Mesomorphs are very muscular, Like Innocent Ukpong.  Shane Hamman is between Mesomorph & Endomorph.
~~~ Skeletal frame: Short & WIDE is a good combination!  That's why Lance Frye & Shane Hamman are so powerful!
~~~ Potential for muscle density & strong connective tissue!
~~~ Self Control: Tendency to overeat or binge?  Tendency to eat "junk food"?  This causes trouble making weight!
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Think about this:
..... (1) If Pete Kelley moved DOWN a weight class, without losing muscle mass, would he PROBABLY place higher at the annual PanAms?  Eleven kgs. = 24.25#.  
..... (2) If Oscar Chaplin moved UP a class, would he PROBABLY place higher in Nat'l./ Internat'l. Competitions?  Nine kgs. = 19.84#.