Don’t Copy Your Favorite Athlete’s Training Plan — Especially When It Comes to Making Weight

I get asked all the time how I stay in shape, how I drop fat, and especially how I cut weight for a fight. And look, I get it — people see what athletes do and assume that’s the blueprint for fitness. But let me be clear about something:

Making weight for a fight is not healthy.
It’s not sustainable.
And it’s definitely not something you should model your own fitness journey after.

When I cut weight for a fight, it’s not about looking good or being healthy — it’s about winning. That’s it. I’ll drop a ton of weight in a short time, then gain it all back within a week. And guess what? That’s normal for many athletes who compete in weight-class sports.

It’s performance-driven, not health-driven.

So when you see your favorite athlete doing some crazy training, sauna sessions, or crash dieting before a big event, remember: they’re not doing that for lifelong health. They’re doing it to meet the demands of their sport.

Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t take anything from athletes you admire. In fact, there’s one thing I highly recommend you do take — something I’ve done myself:

Get yourself a great coach.

The right coach will help you find a plan that actually works for you — your body, your goals, your lifestyle. Not just something ripped out of an elite athlete’s playbook that was never meant for general fitness in the first place.

Train smart. Train for your goals. And respect the difference between training for performance and training for health.



Neely Nagaye

Undefeated Muay Thai Fighter (4-0)

American Kickboxing Academy