lightweight vs hevyweight

Question
QUESTION: the fall season just ended for my junior year and i am currently borderline
lightweight, during the winter break should i try to bulk up and get stronger to
get a better erg time or should i try to lose a little and stay at the same erg time
( 7:15 2k) (male)

ANSWER: Hi Marco: There is no clear-cut answer to this question.  There are numerous factors to consider that should you lead you to your decision.  These include:

- Your age: I assume you are in high school (though you don't make that clear).  If you are experiencing a growth spurt, there is no reason to fight nature.  You are going to be a heavyweight.

- Your conditioning: If you are making good gains in strength and muscle with a normal weight lifting routine, then you should intensify your weight training for even bigger gains.  Go Heavy.

- Your height: If you are tall, you want to row heavyweight.  If you are 5'-9" or below, stay lightweight.

- The state of the crew: If your lightweight boat is fast and winning races, you want to row in that boat during the spring season.  If the varsity heavyweight crew is the better crew, and you think you can make the boat, then you want to get as big as you can.

- You potential: A 7:15 erg is above average for a lightweight but sub-par as a heavyweight. Do you think you can drop your time down to 7:00? If you think 7:15 is at your envelope, you may want to stay light.  Of course, I think your time will go down as you get older.

- Your coach's assessment: Ask your coach what would best serve the crew.

Hope This Helps/AP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanx and btw i am a junior in highschool, just about 16(still can grow), 5'11",
and i am hoping to get sub 7

Answer
Hi Again: Based on this additional information, I think you should dedicate the off-season to gaining 10 to 15 pounds of solid muscle.  If you decide to move up in weight, be sure to stay up with your cardiovascular conditioning, or else you'll lose a step or two.

Regards/AP