I searched for this subject in prior threads, but couldn't find specific answers. With Nationals just a few weeks away, I'm hoping responses posted here will be helpful for others as well. My question is, when do you stop lifting as part of your taper? Way back in college, I used to stop weights a full three weeks before big meets (competed in sprint free/fly). I'm still only competing in spring free and fly. I don't know if I should -
keep lifting longer because yardage is way down compared to college
stop lifting sooner because my 40-year-old body takes longer to recover
or somewhere in the middleI certainly would appreciate it if folks would respond with your age-group, best events, and when you taper off weights. And if you competed in your youth/college, how does your current taper compare to then?
Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
As a coach I usually stop lifting about two weeks before a big meet. A recovery cycle depends on how hard you were lifting / breaking down muscle fiber. When a person is in a maintaining mode, less rest is required than when you're trying to gain muscle mass. I think a two week rest is typical and a one week for those who are simply maintaining. When I was coaching girls they tended to not lift as hard as the guys so they needed less rest (just a thought).
As a coach I usually stop lifting about two weeks before a big meet. A recovery cycle depends on how hard you were lifting / breaking down muscle fiber. When a person is in a maintaining mode, less rest is required than when you're trying to gain muscle mass. I think a two week rest is typical and a one week for those who are simply maintaining. When I was coaching girls they tended to not lift as hard as the guys so they needed less rest (just a thought).
