I've read several articles regarding bodybuilders preparing for a contest show doing some water manipulation/sodium manipulation to get that super shreded look. Can anyone explain this technique to me and will this be able to help me, if let's say I'm going to the beach and I wanna look pretty ripped? If I'm not mistaken, this technique is about losing water retention, right?

It's aimed at bodybuilders who want to get their skin paper thin in time for judging. You've got to be ultra-lean to begin with.

I've read several articles regarding bodybuilders preparing for a contest show doing some water manipulation/sodium manipulation to get that super shreded look. Can anyone explain this technique to me and will this be able to help me, if let's say I'm going to the beach and I wanna look pretty ripped? If I'm not mistaken, this technique is about losing water retention, right?

I remember reading not too long ago an article by John Berardi detailing a 7 day plan to getting ripped up and ridding your body of excess water, but I have no idea where that article is anymore.

If I remember correctly, it was something like the first three days limit your carb intake to below 50 and drink massive amounts of water, for day 4, drop sodium intake drastically, maintain high water intake and increase carb intake to 75 I think. Day 5 and 6 you're supposed to eat massive starch carbs like potatoes, rice, etc..., lower your water intake to half a liter and remove all sodium, on the final day, drink no more than 16oz of water or so and enjoy the shredded look.

Probably be best to find the article on your own detailing the plan, but it was something like that..

Just remember that messing about with your body water isn't healthy. No-one can maintain what is essentially dehydration for any length of time, it's a short-term technique. Who hasn't seen one of the IBBF pros guzzling down water just after the judging.

Andrew.

Ok, let me get this straight... First, if I'm not ultra-lean, it's not gonna benefit me, even a bit? And second, since it's mostly about dehydrating the body, how long can they manage to keep that paper-think look?

Probably a super bad idea to dehydrate yourself prior to going to the beach under the hot sun anyway.

Ok, let me get this straight... First, if I'm not ultra-lean, it's not gonna benefit me, even a bit? And second, since it's mostly about dehydrating the body, how long can they manage to keep that paper-think look?

only about one day... or long enough for the judging... and that's it... I had to dehydrate for the competition I did in '03... it's hard and not pleasant...you DON'T want to do that unless you are competing, trust me... if you just want to get rid of a bit of excess water quickly, try taking dandelion root, you can get it in pill form at just about any health food store ;)

Probably a super bad idea to dehydrate yourself prior to going to the beach under the hot sun anyway.


VERY true... and if your going there to party w/ friends and possibly drink, it's an even worse idea

Ok I understand now... Thanks for the replies, they are really usefull information, making me not act stupid. :o
I'll just be eating healthier, so I'll look better for summer... ;)