Stefi Cohen recently returned to competition in a big way. Now, following her victory, she details the process it takes to lose 10lbs overnight!
Weight cutting is an intense, somewhat controversial practice done in various sports. Whether it is for MMA or wrestling, or in the case of Cohen, powerlifting, it is always difficult. It involves consuming the bare minimum amount of calories, while simultaneously dehydrating yourself, to lose weight in a rapid, short-term way. Moreover, this is used for athletes to be as big as possible, while still able to weigh in at a certain mark before a competition.
For Dr. Stefi Cohen, that competition was the Hybrid Showdown II, earlier this month. She won the competition here, going 6/9 on her lifts, and scoring three world records along the way. However, before she could compete, she had to weigh in for the 114lb division. Ultimately she would make her mark, but not without some difficulties. She outlined the weight cutting process, in a video to her YouTube channel.
Here, she documented her weight cut, and the process of losing 10lb overnight:
Initially, Cohen starts off alternating around 15 minutes in the sauna, then 3-5 minutes in a pool. Saunas are often used when athletes are cutting weight, as it helps to draw out sweat. She explains that while she uses her sauna often when it comes time to cut weight she does not enjoy it. She attributes this to being forced to do it, not choosing to, but there is likely a bit of disdain for being hungry and dehydrated.
“I’m just tired, and it’s really hard to stay in there.”
Throughout the process, Cohen is vocal about how much she hates the process, even saying that she is sick of it. Nevertheless, she continues and explains that she intended to switch to laying in a hot bathtub.
“I honestly always forget how much this sucks. I’m sick of it.”
Following the process of the weight cut, Stefi shows some clips from her competition. Here, you can see her crushing massive weights. During that, she explains going into a “flow state,” where she gets ultra-focused on her lift, and not focused on anything else. But, she was very clear on not wanting others to cut weight like she does.
“It’s not something I recommend, it’s not something I endorse, it’s just something you do as part of the sport and quite frankly it’s the most difficult part of being a powerlifter.”
Stefi Cohen is not the first, nor the last person to cut weight. However, it is always mind-blowing to see the ways these athletes strain and push themselves beyond what others would consider reasonable.
