WHAT IS THE RIGHT RACING WEIGHT?
Oct 15, 2009 14:06:52 GMT 10
Post by Tom Meulman on Oct 15, 2009 14:06:52 GMT 10
WHAT IS THE RIGHT RACING WEIGHT?
There is no doubt that every trainer will tell you, The best racing weight for any greyhound is the weight it runs fastest at.
However, to get to this ideal weight can be a little involved as it depends on a number of factors.
Assuming that the diet is right and the greyhound is fit and healthy, the first item to take into consideration is the greyhound’s natural body structure.
A bulky short-coupled muscle structure is designed for fast explosive speed, while the flatter long-coupled muscle structure is better suited to slower longer strides covering more distance.
Reducing the bulk of the short-coupled muscled greyhound will certainly allow it to run smoother and further but it will be at a cost to early speed.
Increasing the bulk of the long-coupled muscled greyhound will provide for more early pace but at a cost in distance.
Therefore it is the adjustment to muscle structure rather than the overall weight of the greyhound that influences the way it runs, and how fast it runs over a designated distance.
There is also a fine line between reducing the greyhound’s muscle bulk to gain extra distance, and having the greyhound stress or cramp due to insufficient muscle energy storage.
(Energy meaning all the electrolytic and energy components required for muscle contraction)
To increase muscle bulk: increase complex carbohydrates 10% and protein 5% in diet.
Increase walking and short sharp sprint running.
To reduce muscle bulk: Soften the diet to include more broth and reduce solid meals by 5%.
Increase general massage and stretching Physiotherapy.
It should be remembered that increasing a greyhound’s weight would proportionally increase the stress on bones and joints, but will often reduce the general level of stress and aid in post race recovery.
The opposite will occur when weight is reduced.
MUSCLE STRUCTURE, SPEED and INJURIES
A muscle does not only have to contract rapidly; it also has to stretch sufficiently to allow for full extension of the limb.
Increased muscle bulk and increased muscle tone increases speed of contraction and thereby increases the speed of the greyhound.
On the other hand, excessive bulk and excessive muscle tone may reduce the extension of the limb, thereby reducing the greyhound’s stride and therefore its speed.
Excessive muscle tone also increases the likelihood of muscle tears as the limb is fully extended under pressure.
Many of the main muscles are in the form of biceps (two parts) and triceps (three parts) excessive muscle tone in one part of a muscle compared to the remainder of the muscle almost guarantees muscle sheath damage between the various sections of the muscle.
WHEN IS A GREYHOUND TOO THIN?
An increase in weight is certainly warranted when the junction between the coupling and the last rib becomes a deep groove rather than a slight concave.
In the situation where the space between the last two ribs becomes a deep groove, not only does the food need increasing but also the stress levels on the greyhound require some rapid re-adjustment.
WHEN IS A GREYHOUND TOO FAT?
75% 0f the fat in the body is stored in the subcutaneous tissue including the skin.
Therefore the thickness of the skin is a good guide to excessive body fat.
If it feels like tissue paper the dog is too lean, if it feels like pinching the skin around your own waist, the dog is most definitely too fat.
There is no doubt that every trainer will tell you, The best racing weight for any greyhound is the weight it runs fastest at.
However, to get to this ideal weight can be a little involved as it depends on a number of factors.
Assuming that the diet is right and the greyhound is fit and healthy, the first item to take into consideration is the greyhound’s natural body structure.
A bulky short-coupled muscle structure is designed for fast explosive speed, while the flatter long-coupled muscle structure is better suited to slower longer strides covering more distance.
Reducing the bulk of the short-coupled muscled greyhound will certainly allow it to run smoother and further but it will be at a cost to early speed.
Increasing the bulk of the long-coupled muscled greyhound will provide for more early pace but at a cost in distance.
Therefore it is the adjustment to muscle structure rather than the overall weight of the greyhound that influences the way it runs, and how fast it runs over a designated distance.
There is also a fine line between reducing the greyhound’s muscle bulk to gain extra distance, and having the greyhound stress or cramp due to insufficient muscle energy storage.
(Energy meaning all the electrolytic and energy components required for muscle contraction)
To increase muscle bulk: increase complex carbohydrates 10% and protein 5% in diet.
Increase walking and short sharp sprint running.
To reduce muscle bulk: Soften the diet to include more broth and reduce solid meals by 5%.
Increase general massage and stretching Physiotherapy.
It should be remembered that increasing a greyhound’s weight would proportionally increase the stress on bones and joints, but will often reduce the general level of stress and aid in post race recovery.
The opposite will occur when weight is reduced.
MUSCLE STRUCTURE, SPEED and INJURIES
A muscle does not only have to contract rapidly; it also has to stretch sufficiently to allow for full extension of the limb.
Increased muscle bulk and increased muscle tone increases speed of contraction and thereby increases the speed of the greyhound.
On the other hand, excessive bulk and excessive muscle tone may reduce the extension of the limb, thereby reducing the greyhound’s stride and therefore its speed.
Excessive muscle tone also increases the likelihood of muscle tears as the limb is fully extended under pressure.
Many of the main muscles are in the form of biceps (two parts) and triceps (three parts) excessive muscle tone in one part of a muscle compared to the remainder of the muscle almost guarantees muscle sheath damage between the various sections of the muscle.
WHEN IS A GREYHOUND TOO THIN?
An increase in weight is certainly warranted when the junction between the coupling and the last rib becomes a deep groove rather than a slight concave.
In the situation where the space between the last two ribs becomes a deep groove, not only does the food need increasing but also the stress levels on the greyhound require some rapid re-adjustment.
WHEN IS A GREYHOUND TOO FAT?
75% 0f the fat in the body is stored in the subcutaneous tissue including the skin.
Therefore the thickness of the skin is a good guide to excessive body fat.
If it feels like tissue paper the dog is too lean, if it feels like pinching the skin around your own waist, the dog is most definitely too fat.
