gaining weight while rowing

Question
Im a lightweight on my highschool rowing team, but at 140 im trying to gain another 10 to 15 pounds. i have had trouble gaining weight even during the off season when i was lifting 2 or 3 days a week. During the season we have five practices a week in the afternoon, and with school during the day and regattas on weekends this makes it hard to find time to lift. i was just wondering what types of supplements i could take to help, and also what sort of lifting i should be doing when i do find time. with my schedule, i could lift at home after practice, but would i get much benefit? or should i try to lift on the weekends when i can?

Answer
Hi Conor: It is extremely difficult to put on much weight in the middle of the racing season.  Even with an intense lifting program (which is hard to do when on the water), the calories get burned through practice and racing; you are just lucky if you can maintain your weight.

Supplements is not the answer, either.

I'd say for the rest of the season, just try to get in at least two weight sessions a week to maintain your stregnth.  You can lose a lot of muscle by just rowing and not lifting.  See if you can squeeze in Monday and Wed. -- either early morning or late evening -- so it won't interfere with your race schedule.  Do basic motions like the bench press, military press, squat (or leg press machine) with heavier weights and low repretitions.  Also, increase your daily calorie intake by 500 to 1000 calories with protein-rich foods llike meats, dairy and nuts.  You can get something like protein powder to help you with supplements.

In the off season, make a serious effort for weight gain by lifting at least 4 times a week and diet for weight gain.  Of course, you will have to balance some cardiovascular workouts in there or else you will be out of shape next fall.