Lightweight ??

[[old] starboardemw]

Hey everyone. Im 15 and im a competative rower in the spring and a new fall rower ..this fall. I was wondering, im 5'5, and all the girls in my other normal wight boat are much taller and their erg times are faster...and im as tall as some of the other leightweights, and i weigh 139 pounds. Do you think i should drop 4 pounds for fall and 9 pounds+ for spring season ? Would it be a better route for me to take, being that i want a scholarship for college and stuff. <br />Help ! <br /><br />thanks <br />Erica

[[old] Debra]

Erica,<br /><br />I think you need to consider your body type and whether you have 9lbs to lose safely. I've seen a lot of women suck down to lightweight and have all sorts of health problems - that continue through their lives! <br />Talk to you doctor or a professional trainer about getting your fat % checked.<br /><br />I think that if you can go lightweight safely to go for it! You may find that the weight may come off without too much effort when you up your mileage and do some running. You are on the lower end of the height scale to be sure (I can say that because I'm a 5'7" hvywt that couldn't go lwt!) <br /><br />If you are willing to put in the time and energy to train you can suceed! Set some very specific goals for yourself and go for it!<br /><br />Debra

[[old] cdsrower]

Erica,<br /> I just joined so I hope you get this and it helps a little. I've been rowing since the fall of '99. I am about the same height as you and was about the same weight when I joined. I've heard that for our height that the average weight is from 115-145lbs. So you are still in your target zone which is good. Since you are a teen one thing you may find is that you may not be drinking enough water. Eating right and exercise are the keys to being healthy and at your peak. If you are seriously considering dropping some weight do it over time naturally and not all at once. I now weigh about 120 lbs. Just by cutting out the pop and eating more vegatables. I drink my 64 ounces of water a day and keep up the cardiovascular workouts at least 3 times a week. <br /> As a lightweight you may not find as much competition, that may be a good thing or bad thing depending on how competative you are. People who are taller do seem to have a little more advantage because they do have a further reach but if you have the endurance that will help a lot against the heavyweights. I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do.<br /><br />Cat in KS