How to Reach Ideal Jockey Weight

To be successful, jockeys must maintain a certain weight or they'll be too heavy for their horses to carry with enough speed to win. They must also maintain enough stamina to compete in their grueling sport. The methods jockies use to stay slender can be as demanding as the competition they face on the track.

Instructions

    • 1

      Visit a doctor before your start your diet and exercise program. Jockeys are usually thin to begin with, so losing more weight for the big race can be a tricky proposition. Many jockeys binge eat and then purge to make the weight. A doctor can provide a full work up of your overall health, including blood tests to show how your organs are functioning. Let the doctor determine a safe, yet competitive weight for you.

    • 2

      Make an appointment with a nutritionist and trainer. Let these professionals put you on a safe eating and exercise program. Bring your test results so the nutritionist can analyze them. Allow the pros to prescribe a plan that will allow you to lose weight gradually while eating the right foods. You may be prescribed supplements to enhance the food because your overall caloric intake will be reduced. Have your trainer work in conjunction with the nutritionist to make sure you are getting enough food to support the number of calories you are burning.

    • 3

      Weigh yourself every day. A pound one way or the other can be the difference between winning and losing. Chart your progress and see if you are achieving your weight goal.

    • 4

      Hit the sauna or steam room before the race if you need to. By sweating water weight, you can ring out the last few pounds. This shouldn't be necessary if you have followed a steady, healthy regime. Note that using a sauna just before a race can weaken you.

    • 5

      Take a water removal pill. You can buy the pills at most vitamin stores. After the race, rehydrate to replace the water you've lost.

    • 6

      Eat lightly the day before the race. You can easily shave a pound or two off since your metabolism will still be firing as it usually does with your workout routines. Keep your eye on your weight and don't overeat, but make sure you get enough to keep up your strength.