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What I do to prepare for a big tournament
- Cardiovascular strength and stamina training. Having good cardio will help you focus on strategy rather than trying to catch your breath. I like to walk to warm-up by walking for 10 minutes and then I jog for 5-10 minute intervals to get my heart rate up. I switch back and forth, walking and jogging to keep my heart rate above 120 bpm.
Weight Loss
- Fat reduction that has worked for me is by ensuring that my daily calorie intake is always less than my calories burned. I use a calorie calculator to determine calories in and and out.
- I like soaking for weightloss and so I look at where the tournament is going to be located and ensure there is a bath tub in the room or a hotel sauna to lose water weight. I have lost up to 10lbs of water weight prior to weigh ins.
- I examine the weight classes available in the tournament I am competing in. I choose the weight class best for me. I always go to a lower weight class, not a higher one.
Arm Wrestling Training
- Table time and going through exact moves from neutral to finish positions with a partner. Ask the training partner to act as the referee and call the start. Have him give only 25% resistance so you can practice the exact move to win. Use table rules and referee calls to your advantage!
Practice Starts
- The start will either be: don't move / go or ready go. Practice both of these starts.
- Replicate what the referees will say: align the shoulders, straighten the arms both ways, straighten the wrists, and use the start call.
- If by yourself, you can play the start from a recorded mock referee. Play the recorder and practice starts.
- Be fast by using both good timing and quick reflex speed.
Gym Strength Training
- Strength training can be done in the gym to replicate AW movements. I ensure I have worked all body parts and am fully recovered prior to a tournament.
- Hand and wrist training helps you to make them stronger.
- Practice with straps as much as possible and you will learn how straps work the best for you.
I try to attack all these areas prior to any important tournament. For a deeper look and further help, many of these principles are discussed in my intermediate and advanced videos or visit my store for packages that include the videos.
