The science of peak week is very misunderstood with different nutritional strategies being used by different athletes..The strategies used by most bodybuilders both past and present include water, sodium and carbohydrate manipulation through loading or restricting the week before stepping on stage. On the day of competition protocols such as low food intake, water restriction, alcohol and high Gi carbohydrates are used to increase vascularity and the fullness of your muscles when ‘pumping up’ and posing on stage..The traditional approach used by bodybuilders since the old school bodybuilding era was to completely deplete the body of glycogen during the week and 2-3 days before show day load carbohydrates to replenish glycogen levels.
This is accomplices with tapering down on water and sodium intake leading up to show day..It is said that this will allow for a leaner and fuller physique come show day, due to the re-loading of glycogen stores and reduction in subcutaneous water..What method is right and wrong? What’s the best protocol to take for peak week? Will peak week fix my problems?..In my opinion, the best strategy to take is to keep everything the same. The human body is much smarter then we think. Manipulating all these aspects can have a negative effect on the final outcome of your physique. Your peak week should be a week of de-stressing, mentally preparing, and minimal manipulation of water, sodium and food intake.
The less changes the better when it comes to bringing your best physique come show day..
Yours in health,
Coach Alex K
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