A legit question about tanning beds

[Brett Hagmann]

I was wondering from those of you who have been in a tanning bed before if it takes energy out of you for training. I know looks has a 0% say in who lifts the most weight at a weightlifting competition, but I strongly believe that looking like a champion will contribute to you being a champion. As I am competing in collegiate nationals less than 2.5 months away I am cutting the bf down to hopefully 4% or under. im competing in the 94kg class so i need to be 206.8 lbs or under. right now i am currently 211lbs down from 220lbs in december. I think i am going to need every oz of bw i can take off to make the best of my bw class so i plan on going bald to Reno. I want to tan up and look like a beast which I believe will contribute to me being a beast on competition day. Does anyone have any experience with tanning and strength loss?

[Kellee_Rassau]

In the past, when I had 'fitness competitor' aspirations, I used to tan on a pretty regular basis. I never did so before I lifted. I don't think it would do anything to you strength-wise, but if it makes you feel better, and more confident, go for it.

[benjamin d. moore]

In the past I've known guys that have done it in the winter time to help aid in recovery (something about vitamin E?) Not sure about zapping strength though.

[Lesley Gardiner]

Vitamin D actually. Not enough UV radiation in the northern latitudes to make Vit D in winter so a tanning bed used in moderation can help. Vit D is necessary for the maturation of white blood cells.

I go about twice a week now just for that, not to maintain much of a tan. But I've always thought my tanned fat looks marginally better than my pasty white fat. ;)

[Ryan Brown]

they also have those spray booth types I guess. More instant. I'm not sure how good that looks, but I'm assuming they have it down pretty good now.

[Scott Markowitz]

The people I've talked to who've done the spray had horrible experiences with it. Splotchy, uneven, unnatural...just bad. As far as the original question, I have nothing for you.

[Ryan Brown]

The people I've talked to who've done the spray had horrible experiences with it. Splotchy, uneven, unnatural...just bad. As far as the original question, I have nothing for you.

There was an episode of Friends where Ross keeps going into the spray one and keeps getting confused about which way to face. So he keeps getting his front sprayed while his back is still white. By the end of the show he is almost black...lol

[dronga]

Brett,

Don't tan, go super white, like an albino, get some red contacts. :T:

[Josh Kamins]

Forget the tanning bed weakness, I think going under 4% body fat will completely sap your strength levels...

[Ian Duggan]

Yeah... when I think Oly lifters, I don't exactly think "ripped".

http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/system/galleries/ironmind/steiner230_lg.jpg

[dronga]

And you should come out to "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter.

[benjamin d. moore]

Vitamin D actually. Not enough UV radiation in the northern latitudes to make Vit D in winter so a tanning bed used in moderation can help. Vit D is necessary for the maturation of white blood cells.

I go about twice a week now just for that, not to maintain much of a tan. But I've always thought my tanned fat looks marginally better than my pasty white fat. ;)
There ya go - I couldn't remember from the conversation we had if it was D or E

[Tom Mutaffis]

I do not see how being tan could effect your strength levels, but you may want to watch the timing of your sessions. As with cardio, sauna, etc. - you want to tan after a workout or on off days and not directly before as it can make you a little tired.

Also shop around a little and you should be able to find a good deal for an unlimited package so that you can go more frequently for shorter durations. This will ensure you don't get sunburn which could be a big setback (and if you care about looks, makes you look ridiculous).

If it helps to boost your confidence on the platform then go for it... might also help you with those sponsors if you look shredded and fit since that is what sells supplements, personal training, etc.

[Kevin Cronin]

I do not see how being tan could effect your strength levels, but you may want to watch the timing of your sessions. As with cardio, sauna, etc. - you want to tan after a workout or on off days and not directly before as it can make you a little tired.

Also shop around a little and you should be able to find a good deal for an unlimited package so that you can go more frequently for shorter durations. This will ensure you don't get sunburn which could be a big setback (and if you care about looks, makes you look ridiculous).

If it helps to boost your confidence on the platform then go for it... might also help you with those sponsors if you look shredded and fit since that is what sells supplements, personal training, etc.
Leave it to the Jersey boy to have the most in-depth thoughts on tanning :rolleyes:

[Steve Krivoshik]

I think we're all forgetting about the skin cancer thing too. Don't bake yourself too much bud. Here's how I roll when it gets sunny out, should be rocking higher socks but we all make mistakes I guess :cool:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/burritoboi5/mexico.jpg

[Amy Wattles]

-------------

[Tom Mutaffis]

Leave it to the Jersey boy to have the most in-depth thoughts on tanning :rolleyes:

I knew that was coming... Was also accused of moving to Florida simply for additional opportunity to remove my shirt.

Tanning is OK in moderation but have heard horror stories like Amy's friend. Do what makes you happy, but keep the future in mind.

[Barry Perkins]

does this thread really exist??? am I reading this correctly? are we discussing "tanning" beds? :FF:

actually..metrosexual tendancies aside...they have a name for it...so as to not look sooo metro...so if it bothers you to say..."i'm going to tan.." say this instead...

in order to maintain my vitamin D levels I have been prescribed Heliotherapy treatments, it has really helped me with WWD...winter weather depression.....

hehehe....

bottom line in my humble opinion...if it makes you feel better...stronger....then do it..but I'd do it on an off day or after training....every lil' edge helps...physically or mentally...
and good luck at nationals...

[WesleyInman]

Forget the tanning bed weakness, I think going under 4% body fat will completely sap your strength levels...


Agreed, not only will low bodyfat cause dramatic energy loss, the tanning bed in my 12 years of experience WILL cause energy and strength loss IF you overdo it...If you were out in the sun all day in say Florida, you'd likely be exhausted just from the exposure...Repeated tanning is the same way, if you overdo it, your bodies temperature is hitting higher levels than normal on a regular basis, and "CAN" end in heat exhaustion like effects...

If I were going to go, I would go after a workout, long after my body cools down...Start out slow and work your way up, if you hit it all at once, not only will you burn, but you will likely get sick, nausea, headaches, exhaustion, etc...

If you do it right, it won't hit your energy too bad....I would suggest eating a decent amount an hour before...also don't use those tingling agents or intensifiers at first, thats just asking to burn and become sick...If you have Natural Sunlight, go for that first IMO.

[Brandon Clements "BC"]

The few times I have been in one, when i personal trained at a gym back home. I have always done it after a workout. I always felt more relaxed when i was done and a little re energized. Its just a time to zone out and relax.

[Brett Hagmann]

does this thread really exist??? am I reading this correctly? are we discussing "tanning" beds? :FF:

actually..metrosexual tendancies aside...they have a name for it...so as to not look sooo metro...so if it bothers you to say..."i'm going to tan.." say this instead...

in order to maintain my vitamin D levels I have been prescribed Heliotherapy treatments, it has really helped me with WWD...winter weather depression.....

hehehe....

bottom line in my humble opinion...if it makes you feel better...stronger....then do it..but I'd do it on an off day or after training....every lil' edge helps...physically or mentally...
and good luck at nationals...


so let me get this straight dude, you're calling Mariusz a metro? i never been to a tanning bed in my life. the only reason i brought it up is because this is the biggest weightlifting competition of my life to this date. aside from being the strongest i wanna look good to get noticed. got a problem with that?

[Suzanne Klavetter]

A couple of you mentioned the spray-tan booths. I tried that in the past. Most recently I went to a higher end salon where an actual person airbrushes the tan onto your skin. They give you an exfoliating massage first and it makes the color stick more evenly, as well as last longer. It definitely produced better results than one of those booths, and safer than UV rays.

Just a thought!

[jfife]

so let me get this straight dude, you're calling Mariusz a metro? i never been to a tanning bed in my life. the only reason i brought it up is because this is the biggest weightlifting competition of my life to this date. aside from being the strongest i wanna look good to get noticed. got a problem with that?


Brett, let me give you my " as un-gay as possible" personal opinion:)

First off, I am ten years older than you, but I remember my thought processes from ten years ago. At 21, it is tough to consider long-term health. You feel like the energizer bunny. But bro, skin cancer is devestating. My dad has been getting them burned/froze off since he as 40. My elem. school principal just died at 56yrs old from skin cancer. Every male in my family that has worked outside consistantly battles it. FOR THAT REASON ALONE, I'd suggest passing on it. I feel ya---I take off my shirt and see my fat irish honkey skin and wish I looked like I was from Brazil---but hey, you get what you get.

Now, from an appearance standpoint----I think being shredded and all pasty white looks awesome. MarkyMark Walhberg never has a tan---looks killer. To me, it gives the impression, "yeah, I'm ripped but I'm not all metro about it". I think tanning will take you over to that pretty, calf-implant, frosted hair darkside of metro-ness. I don't mean that in a disparaging way---dressing nice and looking good is great. But there is a fine line where you start reducing masculinity. Heck, I use face moisturizer, etc. trying to take care of my honkey skin which I've neglected for most of my life.

Just my thoughts buddy---I think the "ripped white guy" look is tight!!:)

[Steve Krivoshik]

Just my thoughts buddy---I think the "ripped white guy" look is tight!!:)


Well....who else wants to tell us their preference in members of the same sex? :T:

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

My dad has had skin cancer at 43. His father at 66.

Seriously, get a professional spray tan done, I'm sure it will do you more good short and long term.

Oh, and move up the 105's if you can help it. I hope you lift well at 4-5% bf, but I wouldn't want to go for a PB clean and jerk at those levels.

[Zach Snyder]

what are the weigh ins like for olympic comps? Are they 24hr?

I agree with what others said for spray tans. I have a good friend who was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 28 or 29. She used to tan and hit the tanning beds as well.

[Brett Hagmann]

My dad has had skin cancer at 43. His father at 66.

Seriously, get a professional spray tan done, I'm sure it will do you more good short and long term.

Oh, and move up the 105's if you can help it. I hope you lift well at 4-5% bf, but I wouldn't want to go for a PB clean and jerk at those levels.


i plan on moving up to 105s after nationals. i can't afford to go up now though because of my current strength level, i would get dominated. my goal is to be competitive in the 94s in april. then move up to 105s for the american open. u gotta make the best of your weight class, and at every bit of 6'3" i gotta stay as lean as possible.

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

i plan on moving up to 105s after nationals. i can't afford to go up now though because of my current strength level, i would get dominated. my goal is to be competitive in the 94s in april. then move up to 105s for the american open. u gotta make the best of your weight class, and at every bit of 6'3" i gotta stay as lean as possible.


Sounds like a good plan mate. Best of luck and keep your focus.

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

what are the weigh ins like for olympic comps? Are they 24hr?

I agree with what others said for spray tans. I have a good friend who was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 28 or 29. She used to tan and hit the tanning beds as well.


Mostly 2 hours, sometimes 1. Certain comps if you miss the weight class you selected (ie 94kg), they won't let you compete in the next class up or down.

Nothing like powerlifting, where some feds I've heard have 48 hours weigh-ins. You can turn up at 165, then weigh 190 on meet day.

[Ryan Duncan]

Well....who else wants to tell us their preference in members of the same sex? :T:


dude I'm gay. that's OK right? yeah of course it is. I don't really give a mod edit about tanning. I've never set foot in a booth. But all this stuff (strongman, OL, PL, etc.) has a tremendous psychological component built into it. Confidence is the key to breaking through a lot of barriers. So if you can look in the mirror and be like "f--- yeah!" That's a huge boost and hopefully it'll carry on to the platform...

[mark sams]

I have tanned right before the gym and right after, I have not noticed any perceivable difference in loss of strength, but I feel tanning before warms me up for lifting, go before.

[Steve Krivoshik]

dude I'm gay. that's OK right? yeah of course it is. I don't really give a mod edit about tanning. I've never set foot in a booth. But all this stuff (strongman, OL, PL, etc.) has a tremendous psychological component built into it. Confidence is the key to breaking through a lot of barriers. So if you can look in the mirror and be like "f--- yeah!" That's a huge boost and hopefully it'll carry on to the platform...

Hey if you are indeed gay that does not bother me in the least. I was just messing around, in fact Marky Mark is one of my favorite actors. Didn't mean to offend anyone.