How to Prepare for a Specific Gravity Test in Wrestling

Weight-cutting is a common practice in wrestling. Weight-cutting is the process an athlete goes through by dehydrating himself to weigh in at or below his required limit at the weigh-in so that he can then re-hydrate and gain as much weight as possible prior to the match. This is done because of the perception that the bigger athlete will have the advantage in competition. Dehydration can have serious health effects when done improperly, so states use specific gravity urine tests at a school level to make sure athletes are not dehydrating too much. Preparing for a specific gravity test is simple.

Instructions

    • 1

      Drink water. Your gravity of urine quotient needs to be equal to or less than 1.025, which is the standard set that means you are properly hydrated. If you are not properly hydrated when the test is taken, you will have to test again in 24 hours and cannot be assigned a minimum weight class until the test is passed. Eight glasses of water at 8 ounces each per day should be sufficient.

    • 2

      Avoid soda, tea or coffee at least two days before your test. These are diuretics that cause more urination and contribute to dehydration.

    • 3

      Eat fruits and vegetables the morning of the test. They naturally contain water.

    • 4

      Rest on the day of the test prior to testing. If you train beforehand, you could dehydrate yourself for the test.