Problem of a Rugby Player

Naomi91
Naomi91 Posts: 892 Member
edited September 24 in Motivation and Support
Finally lost 10 pounds! At 124 now and finally starting to feel good about myself! Everyone is happy and proud of my success... except for one person. And that person is my rugby coach. I was already small for my position, a flanker, but am aggressive as hell and can run down anyone in my path. But now I am even smaller and not any stronger. Coach is afraid that the big girls are just going to start stomping all over me as they are up to 80 lbs heavier than me and are quite strong. She wants me to get bigger and stronger. So now I am in a rut... gain or lose? I want to be lean and mean! That has been my goal but I didnt even think of the fact that I might actually be TOO SMALL already. Rugby is so important to me, but so is my self confidence and image. What to do?

Thanks to a very inspirational memeber on here, I think I will be going full force on a primal nutritional cycle. It has been the only thing I have been able to find where I wont lose anymore of my muscle mass. I need to take those *****es down! But I cant do that if I am as strong as a 10 year old.

Ugh, now im not sure if I should be proud of the progress I have made.

Replies

  • wan2b21
    wan2b21 Posts: 147 Member
    Dang.. That's a rough position to be in.. Women generally don't build bulky muscles when they work out, only because they don't create as much testosterone which aids in muscle growth (Men on the other hand create 10x as much).. Does your coach want you to be eating all day and just gain whatever weight you can??!! I mean that's not healthy right? My only advice may be to focus more on strength training and less on cardio.. When you workout record what weight and how many reps and try to build on it the next time =) It will help with building your strength up.
  • Naomi91
    Naomi91 Posts: 892 Member
    awww no one wants to help me xD
    haha was basically asking if I should keep trying to lose? or forget about it until after the season is done and just be unhappy with my looks

    ................


    *cricket chirp* :p
  • Naomi91
    Naomi91 Posts: 892 Member
    Well we may not be able to get too bulky but we can get pretty strong :D I have seen some pretty muscular girl on the field!
    Maybe cut done from 60 minute to 30 minute runs? And add in a better strength training? Hmmmm >.<
  • Panda_Jack
    Panda_Jack Posts: 829 Member
    Do what you need to do for you.

    When I played football I was the smallest guy in my position and still did really well. As far as I know women tend to not get bulky when lifting unless you are taking other enhancers.. But if you get stronger it will offset your size differnce, especially if you are quicker.
  • Panda_Jack
    Panda_Jack Posts: 829 Member
    Well we may not be able to get too bulky but we can get pretty strong :D I have seen some pretty muscular girl on the field!
    Maybe cut done from 60 minute to 30 minute runs? And add in a better strength training? Hmmmm >.<

    There does come a point when too much cardio will negatively affect muscle mass. I'm sure some more knowledgeable peeps on here can chime in on that.
  • tjradd73
    tjradd73 Posts: 3,495 Member
    there has got to be a happy medium!! although rugby is a passion of yours...you have to outweigh the positives and negatives of bulking up or trimming down even more?! which makes you happier...being a little heavier and playing rugby on occassion or being confident and happy with yourself all of the time?! For me...if you are just as strong as you were (even if you dont look it) prove that too your coach! show her you can be small and strong at the same time!! If it isn't cuttin it you could always switch to tennis :)
  • Naomi91
    Naomi91 Posts: 892 Member
    I have such alove for running, but I know I should cut it down. Since distance can effect that. I am definately busting my *kitten* out there and proving it to coach! I may be small, but I still have quite a bit of skill. I wont give up on rugby! If I do get too small... I guess I could switch positions.. but I dont want to! Love flanker :]

    thanks for the help guys :]
  • MobiusMan
    MobiusMan Posts: 385 Member
    Naomi,
    Your fit, your at a nice weight, you have a great frame, just hold the weight and work strict hardcore muscle building. You'll like the results and just tone.
  • guardup
    guardup Posts: 230
    Some questions/comments for you:

    1) What division do you play in? If you are D1 and want to go on to play for the Eagles then start a solid weight lifting routine and change your long distance running to CrossFit and Sprinting. If you only want to do Rugby for fun (which a great reason!) then just focus on improving your form and do enough lifting to protect your joints and prevent injuries.

    2) How much of your coach's training is teaching you proper form? There are ways to hit and ways to keep from getting hit. Improve these methods and they can actually compensate for lack of size or strength. One of the most brutally hard women I have ever witnessed on the pitch was about 5'4" and 125lbs. It often took 3 women to take her down. She had strong legs... but her form was impeccable. She was also a US Eagle.

    3) Take it from a Forward who used to play for the #2 ranked women's team in the USA... injuries will hold you back more than your size. Spend a significant part of your workout doing Core exercises (with LOTS of emphasis on back muscles)... have a trainer look at your form... learn how to fall... and if you get a concussion, GO TO THE DOCTOR. Bones and muscles are one thing... your brain is WAY more important.

    Good luck and get that ball down field!
  • Jonesie1984
    Jonesie1984 Posts: 612 Member
    I'm late I know but definately strength train and maybe either shorter cardio circuits of definitely less frequently.. because when you're playing your def. getting cardio so I wouldn't worry it :).

    Strength training will be your best friend.. and not those wimpy 2lb weights they're always trying to push women to use with 5 million reps.. Go a little heavier on the weights and to 8 reps of 6 (until the last set you are barely able to finish). If you do well try to increase weight every 2 weeks if you can.. They're some awesome info on weight training for women on bodybuilding.com.. They've officially got me hooked on it!

    And no.. you would end up looking like China either! lol. I'm looking more (although I still have a long way to go) like a lean, mean, toned machine! And you'll be able to take those girls down!! You'll be small but mighty! I'm rootin' for ya! :drinker:
  • plums
    plums Posts: 38 Member
    Most rugby coaches will say that if you are good enough for your position you are big enough!
  • seanbrown123
    seanbrown123 Posts: 7
    im a young rugby player to and have represented England so have played at a high level im on here just to watch what I eat ect my advise is size doesn't matter to much unless you prop really its all about if you feel ready are not and if you think you can handle the contact.

    give me a add or follow me on twitter Seanbrown101
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    Just maintain for the season if you want.

    Eat a ton and lift a ton. All of the running should be enough to keep you fairly lean (I can never gain during soccer season).

    Being a strong 80 is better than being an average 120. You're gonna be fast and have more explosive power.
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