Almost all MMA fighters cut weight to make sure they are in their respective weight classes on fight night.
There are a few different ways to do this, but the two most common methods are saunas and bathtubs.
When it comes to cutting weight, there is no one-size-fits-all method.
Every fighter is different and will have to experiment with different methods to find what works best for them.
That being said, saunas and bathtubs are two of the most common methods used by fighters to cut weight.
Let’s take a look at weight cutting and how these methods help
1. What Is Weight Cutting?
Weight cutting is the process of losing bodyweight before a competition in order to compete in a lower weight class.
It usually involves getting rid of all the water in the body, essentially dehydrating yourself, and then rehydrating after the weigh-in.
The idea is that you will be within limitation at the weigh-in and then will have time to rehydrate before the actual fight.
Weight cutting is a dangerous process and can lead to serious health problems if not done correctly.
2. What Is A Sauna?
A sauna is a small room or house designed for people to sweat in. Saunas are typically very hot and use dry heat to cause sweating.
The dry heat penetrates the body and causes the core temperature to rise, which leads to increased sweating.
Recently, MMA fighters have ditched the big sauna room for sauna bags.
3. Benefits Of Using A Sauna For Weight Cutting
Saunas can be very effective for weight cutting because they cause the body to sweat a lot.
This can help you lose water weight quickly.
In addition, saunas can help improve circulation and relax muscles.
Furthermore, the athlete can exercise in the sauna room to accelerate the weight-loss process.
Moreover, a sauna will help penetrate the body and open the pores, which will also help with the rehydration process later on.
4. Drawbacks Of Using A Sauna For Weight Cutting
Saunas can be hot and uncomfortable for some people.
In addition, Cholinergic urticaria (hives on the skin produced by increased body temperature) may occur as a result of the heat in a sauna
Some people may also experience dizziness, nausea, or fainting due to the heat. It is vital to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard in the sauna.
5. What Is A Bathtub?
A bathtub is simply a tub of water that you can sit in.
Bathtubs can be filled with hot or cold water, depending on your preference.
Some fighters prefer to use a bathtub for their weight cuts because it is less uncomfortable than a sauna.
The high humidity and temperature work to increase the body’s core temperature and induce sweating.
Fighters will often add Epsom salt to the bathtub water, which can help the body sweat even more. Sometimes they use isopropyl alcohol to help open the pores even more.
6. Benefits Of Using A Bathtub For Weight Cutting
Bathtubs can be more comfortable than saunas because they are not as hot.
In addition, you can control the temperature of the water in the tub, which can help prevent any health complications.
Furthermore, adding Epsom salt or isopropyl alcohol to the water can help you sweat even more and lose water weight quickly.
7. Drawbacks Of Using A Bathtub For Weight Cutting
Getting the temperature of the water in the bathtub just right can be.
If the temperature is too hot, the body won’t sweat at all, which can be counter-productive.
If the temperature is too cold, then the fighter may not get the full benefits.
There is also a greater chance of fainting in a bathtub because of the lack of air circulation.
8. Other Methods For Weight Cutting
In addition to the sauna and bathtub methods, fighters use a few other methods to help them make weight.
Some fighters will use a combination of the two methods, others will use a sauna suit, and others will use an infrared sauna.
Sauna Suit
A sauna suit is a special type of clothing that helps the body sweat more.
The suits are typically made of vinyl or latex and are lined with a material that helps the body retain heat.
Fighters will wear the sauna suit while working out or during other activities to help them sweat more and lose water weight.
Sweet Sweat
Sweet Sweat is a cream that you can apply to your skin before working out.
The cream contains ingredients that help the body sweat more.
Fighters will often apply Sweet Sweat to their skin before working out in the sauna or bathtub to help them lose water weight.
Towels And Blankets
The dehydration caused by weight cutting can leave fighters drained and tired.
However, they must continue losing weight. That is where towels and blankets come into play.
All the fighter has to do is relax while being wrapped in towels or blankets.
The heat will cause the body to sweat, and the fighter will lose water weight.
This method is often used by fighters who are cutting a lot of weight and don’t want to use a sauna or bathtub.
9. Wrapping It Up
There are a few different methods that fighters use to help them cut weight.
The sauna and bathtub methods are the most popular, but there are a few other methods that fighters use as well.
The key is to find the method that works best for you and to make sure that you don’t push yourself too hard, as that can lead to severe health problems like kidney failure.
What is your preferred method for weight cutting? Let us know in the comments below.
