Advice for an aspiring Lightweight Rower

[bds323]

Hey folks,

I realize this has probably been addressed at some point, but I have a couple of small questions. I should inform you that I'm almost 20 years old, 6ft tall, currently weight 165.6 (first thing in the morning) and about 170.2 (at night). I am working out intensively (5 days per week) with a rowing club in my town and my coach suggested that if I want a chance to row competitively (with my height), I would do best as a lightweight. As of now, I cut out bagels from my diet and am supplementing poor carbs (fries and such) with healthy ones like quinoa and oatmeal.

My questions become:

1) I feel as though my body fat percentage level is already quite low - I'm not 100% exact, but it is definitely somewhere between 10 and 11 percent (I didn't have time to go out and purchase as skin fold clasp or whatever the proper technique is) based on the online calculator.

2) Is it feasible for me to become a lightweight? (now, I know that it's always "feasible" to lose weight) I guess my question is, is it safe and reasonable for me to become a lightweight? I certainly don't want to compromise my health or something to this effect.

3) I would have to maintain strength and muscle mass if I go lightweight - how can I ensure that I maintain weight without greatly increasing my weight due to an increase in muscle mass?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this - I really appreciate it!

[hjs]

10/11% fat for a 20 yesr old is certainly not to low, so you can loose a bit, second, most lightweights do some tricks to lower there weight for a weigh in.

Ps 10 % should give you a clear sixpack, of that is not the the case, you are above that percentage.

[bds323]

Thanks for the advice - it might help to know that I just finished Freshman year of college - prior to that I was consistently at a 158 - 159lb range and I couldn't seem to gain weight from there, no matter how much weight lifting I did. Obviously I put on some muscle from rowing at a collegiate level, but I also consumed a ton of processed food during my time here.

As per your 6 pack hint - I can see an outline of the six pack if I just stand around, but I don't actually see a clear six pack unless I flex - so I presume I may be slightly above that body fat % level.

[hjs]

Thanks for the advice - it might help to know that I just finished Freshman year of college - prior to that I was consistently at a 158 - 159lb range and I couldn't seem to gain weight from there, no matter how much weight lifting I did. Obviously I put on some muscle from rowing at a collegiate level, but I also consumed a ton of processed food during my time here.

As per your 6 pack hint - I can see an outline of the six pack if I just stand around, but I don't actually see a clear six pack unless I flex - so I presume I may be slightly above that body fat % level.

If you want something it is often possible

Re bodyfat, in my 20 ies I had a 6/8 % bodyfat, that is really just skin on your abs.
I do remember girls did like that, so that could a little extra

[bds323]

If you want something it is often possible

Re bodyfat, in my 20 ies I had a 6/8 % bodyfat, that is really just skin on your abs.
I do remember girls did like that, so that could a little extra

Haha, this is very true - I just want to make sure I'm going about it in the most healthy manner possible, rather than starving myself or resorting to dehydration techniques prior to races. I mean, you have to do what you have to do for the ladies, haha.

The question becomes- what are the best exercises that you can do to build lean muscle as oppose to just bulking up? That way, I can work on decreasing body fat by a couple percentage points and lose some weight that way, but also to replace some of the bulk muscle I have with lean muscle mass.

[hjs]

Focus on the big lifts, squat, desdlift rows, core.

Food, high in protein, veggies, good carbs, cut out the crab, start out easy, see how you react on the changes, if needed become stricter, but keep the protein high at all times.

[bds323]

Focus on the big lifts, squat, desdlift rows, core.

Food, high in protein, veggies, good carbs, cut out the crab, start out easy, see how you react on the changes, if needed become stricter, but keep the protein high at all times.

Thank you very much, I have to say - you have always given solid advice! I will keep you posted on how the progression goes in a couple of months.

[hjs]

Focus on the big lifts, squat, desdlift rows, core.

Food, high in protein, veggies, good carbs, cut out the crab, start out easy, see how you react on the changes, if needed become stricter, but keep the protein high at all times.

Thank you very much, I have to say - you have always given solid advice! I will keep you posted on how the progression goes in a couple of months.

Cheers, you are welcome