Now you eat 5 Guys with Max and go to Soul to be an actual healthy person physically and mentally. You’re amazing Gretchen. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and how much courage it took for you to make this video!
please do more of these types of videos!! they are so helpful and powerful and help us understand influencers more, I wish other youtubers were as open and honest as you, Gretchen. You should be so proud of the platform you have created!!
Gretchen is the epitome of a Pisces. She's SO kind hearted. She feels so much and cares so deeply. I admire her pureness and how much she cares about everyone around her. I cannot imagine the pressure and having to balance two tough obligations. Thank you for your honesty and your love, it truly shows in your videos. Your strength and power can help so many people. Your existence is appreciated so so much by many. 💞
As a "natural lightweight" rower I've watched teammates struggle to make weight. Like Gretchen said, lightweight rowing is intended for smaller athletes to compete against people who are all the same size to level out the playing field. USRowing is considering getting rid of lightweight rowing at the youth level because of how many athletes put themselves at risk of health issues to be lightweight. Its unfortunate that lightweight rowing might become non existent in the future for girls who truly are lightweight and don't need to cut. I took official visits at BU and other schools with lightweight rowing and the fact of the matter is, the girls who are naturally lightweight do better on lightweight teams than girls who need to cut weight because they aren't fueling their bodies adequately to compete at the D1 level. There are plenty of open weight teams that recruit top lightweight rowers each year, and I think its important for high school rowers considering lightweight schools to explore open weight schools as well. It's also important to note that if you do commit to rowing on a lightweight team and you can't keep the weight down but still want to row, most coaches are understanding of that and would love to see you row on their open weight team!!
Yeah I can tell that girls Gretchen's height (or even my height/body build- I'm 5'5" and hover around 130-135) aren't technically the ideal for this weight class. It's supposed to be for actually little people, like 5'0", and it's so unfortunate that Gretchen got wrapped up in it! Weight classes look so frustrating to me because you gotta fuel your body first before paying attention to the numbers!!!
Hey loved you’re advice and I’m a high school junior girl rn. I’m 5’5 and am 119 lbs. Do you remember your 2k or 5k score from junior/senior year or the times that got recruits interested in you? I’m looking at lightweight programs for the most part. Thanks
I really appreciate you mentioning how metabolism changes highschool to university. It's the truth. I remember my mom being so careful to talk to us about puberty, about how some girls had boobs in high school and others didn't, all those things. But what really hit me? University. Your body is STILL changing, who I was at 18 in terms of my body is totally different from who I was at 22, even now at 26 after finishing grad school. Sure, you have all the features of an adult woman by 18, but there's still so much going on and how your body holds weight and responds to food and exercise is 100% different. I think it would help a lot more young women if we discussed maturation as more than just puberty, but as something that happens into your early twenties so they can be prepared to monitor their bodies...but also so they don't feel blindsided by changes that happen.
Also, on a more personal note. I really appreciate when people have the confidence to talk about their size. I sometimes am really critical of myself and when I hear someone who I think is pretty or has a great body talk about their size, and realize that my body is within a size of that...I don't know, it kind of wakes me up from negative self talk, helps me to snap out of it, realizing that it's a question of my mentality and my personal satisfaction. It's not really about my size at all. Anyway, just wanted to say your attitude is great now and you have wonderful confidence that you share and it's infectious! Thank you!
I just finished my freshman year at Cal and I’m a coxswain on the Women’s Rowing Team. Everything that was said in this video pretty much applies to most rowing programs...this video is amazing and if you are thinking of rowing in college this is a video that must be watched all the way through. Thank you for putting this out there :)
Gretchen, I have never related to someone's story more. My university rowing story is sadly the same. My freshman year was scarily identical to yours - the weight gain from lifting, the weekly weigh ins, and the horrific cutting stories. It is so sad that rowing has come to this, and how much gets shoved under the table. I finally saw my team's toxic environment for what it was this fall and decided to walk away. Thank you so much for sharing your story and speaking your truth. Big love ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This was eye opening. I never knew that much about rowing and that culture seems toxic. I'm 5'4 and have been between 130 and 140 since I was in high school and I'm 24 now. I can't imagine having to keep a certain weight to do something
as an active rower this is what i was afraid was going to happen due to rowing be a less popular sport compared to others. but you don’t have to row in the light weight category but the category is there for a reason
I have so many comments after finishing this video. My heart hurts for you and what you had to go through. Such a terrible thing that doesn’t get talked about enough. I knew it was bad from how you were talking about lightweight rowing, but I had no idea it was this bad. I am so glad you were able to get out of it and grow into the person you were meant to be. Thank you for making this video.
I was actually on your team your senior year of high school (but was a freshman and not very good at the time lol) but I completely agree how toxic of an environment rowing, and lightweight more specifically, can be. I quit rowing soon after our coach left for another program because it kind of went to crap. I got horrible feelings at almost all the college programs I looked at and understanding that it wasn’t the end of the world to not row in college was such a hard thing to realize. My sister luckily rowed too and had the same stance as you after 4 years of D1 rowing and literally said “don’t do it” after I explained i hated every program but one that was way too pricey. It’s important to remember that you don’t graduate with a degree in rowing if you do row D1 it sucks up as much time as it takes to get your degree. Thank you for speaking about this, because rowing does get you sucked into this weird mindset (almost brainwash?) that you feel like you can’t live life without.
Rowing definitely has its ups and downs especially in college. I commend you for doing it as long as you did especially doing youtube. Both are not easy things to do alone so I can only imagine! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you for being so sensitive towards eating disorders and depression in this video, it really shows what kind of person you are. Thank you for sharing your experience, I know this is going to help so many people. You are so amazing. Love you Gretchen ♥️
I went through something similar with a different sport. It makes me to happy when you eat cinnamon rolls with Max . It reminds me of when my boyfriend and I go out to eat and hes like " babe if you want another taco, order another taco!" 💕 this video is amazing and so real and I love how NOT staged it is.
As someone who is 5’11 I have struggled comparing myself to my friends who are smaller than me and understandably weigh less and I can imagine how hard it was to experience that with rowing- thank you so much for talking about it, you’re amazing!
Hi, I am a current member of the Boston University Lightweight team. I just finished my freshman year and can quite honestly say that I have come back from college as a PROUD member of one of the best, in my opinion, teams not just in light weight rowing or rowing itself, but across the board in athletics. Not purely because of our success athletically, but because of honestly the members of the team who are synonymous with my best friends, the coaches who consistently show us so much love and positive parts of ourselves that we never knew were there, and finally because of a sport which has given me SO MUCH. I personally struggled with anorexia nervosa when I was 11 to 14 years old, FAR before I had ever touched an oar let alone one in a lightweight boat. Before rowing I was a swimmer, runner, and skier and grew up having played or tried almost every sport I came in contact with. However, it was not until I did lightweight rowing that I finally for the first time in years felt truly happy and positive about myself. It showed me what nutrition meant, that your body deserves fuel and how to fuel it. I can also say this has been the same exact experience for SEVERAL of my teammates and close friends. I am 5'7" and eat happily and healthily and the culture on my team around weight and image has been nothing but supportive, something all of me and my freshman class this past year talked about all the time as something we love in particular about BU lightweight rowing. I cannot speak for people who were on the team 4 years ago, but I can say as a current member, and as a member of the future upcoming years at BU, my team has made me so happy to be a part of. As for commitment, YES it is a D1 program. We train a lot and we train hard because our sport is our passion and any passion requires choosing it over other things at times. However, we still have so much fun and opportunities socially at school which my friends who are not athletes sometimes do not even get the chance to experience. We have dry season for 3 months, its really not too much of a tragedy and ultimately, its only enforced by ourselves of our own choice. Not the coaches or anyone else, we want to do well and substance doesn't really promote that. Training for 2 hours is what it takes. No olympian will turn to you and say that they train for an hour some days a week to achieve what they have in ANY sport. For instance, in the summer I do triathlons and my workouts for that which are completely of my own ambition and love range anywhere form 45 minutes to a little over 3.5 hours because they're distance sports. A marathon takes on average over 4 hours. Olympic distance triathlons which is what I race take about 2 hours to complete and they are so much fun. I apologize for the length of this comment but I just wanted to say that in full: I LOVE my sport and my team. Do not be scared to ever try it because of one person's cautionary tale. Sadness and hardship can come up in ANY situation or period in your life, it did for me in a completely different world than the one I am currently in. To all my teammates, our athletic staff and fellow lightweight and open weight athletes I love you and love what we work hard to do
lightweight rowing is changing sooooooo much like lots of people at nationals this year want to completely get rid of it. it’s such a controversial topic and so important for changes to be made. thank you gretchen for the video!
This video was fantastic. I had a very similar experience as a D1 cross country and track athlete. I graduated three years ago, and like you it took me about that long to realize that I don’t have to exercise every day and I can eat what I want. Thank you for posting this. I don’t think people realize the pressure that female athletes are under.
I was a track athlete from 7th grade until I graduated college. It wasn't until I retired that I realized that it was actually sort of a toxic environment for me. No matter what others say it's almost impossible not to compare yourself to your teammates. Such a great video
I don't watch you regularly, but this video popped into my feed, and I watched the whole thing. You are so brave, and wonderful, and you seem like a really kind and caring person. I admire you for making a video about this, not a lot of people would feel they could. Bravo to you for speaking out against an unhealthy culture, and keep putting yourself first.
That video you posted on the old vlog channel that is now lucys channel "why i feel fat" when that person wrote to your business email commenting on your body - just hits at another level now :(((
That is insane to me that athletes are starving themselves just to meet this weight requirement. Athletes need to be fueled by food and not be so stressed out about weight that they don't eat. They need to change these rules...it is especially damaging towards girls bc we are already so conscious of our weight and tie it so closely to worth/self esteem/etc. I'm so sorry you have gone through this. I'm glad you left. It's important there is a rowing for lighter girls but weigh ins and strict under 130 needs to be changed.
Claire Francis they were planning on taking light weight rowing away in total but decided against it bc it would be so hard for the people who were naturally lightweight to win the races against people so much bigger than them
I think this is a common theme in a lot of female college athletics, even ones without weigh ins. My friend played D1 lacrosse and a lottttt of girls on her team started developing eating disorders.
ALSO shame on those coaches... ik it's their job but like how can they sit there watching girls physically and mentally deteriorate and not be concerned/affected about it what a terrible culture to create
I think its mostly the more competitive of a team (especially collegiate), the more coaches let it slide. My coach in high school never let anyone who was not naturally under 130 pounds (even 1 or 2 pounds over) row or attempt to row lightweight.
Joann Sun oh okay gotcha. I guess i understand the competitiveness it just feels like at some point there’s a line of unhealthiness that isn’t worth it and should be a point of concern for the people who are supposed to be looking out for these athletes
My twin sister and I row in a double just like you and Lucy did. We are going to be seniors in high school this fall. We just sat down and watched this video together and I find it extremely relatable and helpful. We were thinking about rowing lightweight in the fall because we are on the smaller side, and this clarified for us that it's probably not the best idea. With looking at colleges this was a very insightful video about what it's like to row in college. Thank you so much for being a great remodel and how brave of you to share your experiences. I have been watching your videos since you were an upcoming senior in high school just like me now and you inspired us to try out the crew. Seeing how much you have grown as a person makes you such an amazing remodel to us and many other girls. Thank you so much for all the advice you have given to me in your videos through the last 5 years it has truly changed my life!! I can't thank you enough for everything and especially this video.
please don't allow this video to affect your decision. If you are naturally a light weight then go for LW rowing. If you are trying to become a LW then do open weight. LW rowing isn't for everyone but if you are naturally small and light than it is perfect for you
You’re truly such a kind genuine and beautiful soul. This type of honesty must have been so difficult for you and it means the world to your viewers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This video is EVERYTHING. It's so amazing someone FINALLY being candid about the realities of Division 1 athletics. Although it's such a rewarding process at times, there are so many mental stresses placed on athletes that can be soooo damaging to mental health. Props to you, Gretchen, for creating a platform where you can share this to everyone and give the real side of what many think is a "dream".
One of my favorite quotes from Bojack Horseman that I think applies here: "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags". As a college athlete (not one that has a weight limit) I still relate to a lot of what you are talking about working out wise, it's crazy and all athletes could really use some reflection on what it costs to participate
I’m 5’4 and 135 and am always told I’m fit and healthy... I cannot imagine being as tall as you and having to be under 130. Thanks for sharing this tough story!
im going to be upfront here- i have no idea who you are and ive never heard of you before, but this video popped up on my feed and as a fellow rower, i knew i had to watch. now, while i'm 5'10", around 145-150 lbs (so almost same stats as you in terms of weight and especially height), i honestly was really taken aback that you're so tall and rowed lightweight. like i just cannot fathom working out so much and also not eating (bc i eat often haha) and just trying to make weight. its wild. and its sad that this happens. while i personally have never considered lightweight rowing, i was mildly aware that it was problematic and i want to say thank you for posting this video. it really opened my eyes to some of the flaws that this wonderful sport has. also, as an incoming freshmen rower into a d1 school, it is nice to hear the "darker" side of collegiate rowing even if it doesn't affect me personally. thank you for posting this video, it will help a lot of men and women alike who were/are in the same position as you 💗
I rowed in high school and was in a lightweight boat my senior year which had always been my goal. I ironically met you at states right after having not eaten for 3 days to make weight. I thought I was the only one who had these experiences, and that all lightweights were naturally under 130 and didn’t have to do crazy things to make weight. Thank you for making this, it needs to be talked about more. I didn’t row in college thankfully but the eating problems still lingered for a while
I’m so glad you posted this because I used to watch you and Lucy and see how much y’all worked out and how small you were and I thought I had to be like that. I would envy you so much for being able to run for 2 hours. I worked out all the time, which is good I’m glad I did, but I’m glad you made this to say you weren’t happy doing all of that. It makes me feel better to know you don’t have to do all that to feel happy or confident. Xoxo
This is so eye opening... my cousin rowed for Penn lightweight, and she quit her junior year I think? My whole family gave her such shit... After all of this it still seemed like she struggled with her relationship with food, and now I freakin get it. Wow. 😞 you’re so strong.
I'm 5'6 and have gained some weight and now weigh 140, I thought I was overweight or just getting chubby but I actually am pretty muscular and this just opens my eyes that you can weigh whatever and still be healthy. Thank you.
What do you mean by you're not supposed to be? 5'9", 130 lbs is BMI 20, which is considered normal. However, it was not ideal for her considering she lost her weight. I am not sure why you think you can't be under 125 at 5'6".
I’m so glad you finally talked about this! I had a very similar situation with volleyball, which didn’t require weigh-ins, but we had to meet certain lift requirements, practices, on agility training, on weightlifting, on weekend long tournaments, on top of playing a sport that physically strains your body. I never had a period and felt weird that my boobs were so tiny and that all I could ever think about was sleep because I was malnourished and trying to fit in schoolwork between all of my athletic responsibilities. Solidarity and I’m glad you parted with the toxic thing in your life!
Found you a few months ago because I just got a golden retriever puppy Nala and discovered your Brody vlogs. I have been going through some of your past videos to get a better understanding of you and I just love how raw and vulnerable you are. You are so sweet Gretchen and are beautiful inside and out. Unrealistic body images are engulfed in society especially for adolescent girls in sports, modeling, etc. where body performance is necessary despite little to no education offered on the situations. Thank you for speaking up, I know hearing other peoples journeys is helpful for me in mine.
I started watching your videos because you were a rower (like myself), and here we are, like 5/6 years later, neither of us rowing. I have stayed as a subscriber throughout so many years bc I love you!!! like another comment said, speak! your! truth! Rowing is a crazy whirlwind of emotions, and as an optimist it’s very tough to rack your brain for the bad stuff, even when you know it’s right there. Love you and love this video and all that you are. Thank you for sharing your true life with us.
I’ve been watching for about 5 years and it’s so amazing to have watched you grow and evolve into the person you were meant to be. Thank you for making this video and sharing
This broke my heart. Just recently getting out of a toxic team culture has this video hitting too close to home, thank you so much for speaking out about this 💕
i relate to this so much gretchen. i played college soccer for a year and i hated it so much, but i felt like i had to do it and couldn’t find myself to quit for too long. trainers and coaches promoted us to basically live an unhealthy life as long as we could compete the way they wanted us to in games. They didn’t care if we were hurt or unhealthy and constantly would tell some of us that we were “too big” to be successful in the sport, even though we were healthy but not the smallest on our team. i remember i hurt my knee in a game and they told me to suck it up and wouldn’t treat me. now three years later my knee is still in pain anytime i workout. for some people they can handle it, but i know for me it ruined my life and caused me mentally to go through such a rough time. i’m proud of you for getting out of it when you knew you had to. especially with light weight rowing it seems soooo much more intense and unhealthy for us girls... a lot of people don’t understand the pressure of college sports (or sports in general) unless they go through it too so it can be hard for people to sympathize. anyway long comment but i’m so proud of you for getting yourself healthier and knowing that it was time for you to get out of it!
Oowww my heart! I saw that you posted a 50 min long video (!!!) so I threw it on during my cardio session (even though I know nothing about rowing I just love your videos) and this video had me in tears!!! Crying on the stationary bike over here!! I can relate to this on so many levels and I promise so many others will relate as well. You’re such a beautiful person inside and out Gretchen. Thank you for sharing your experience
gretchen, thank you so much for this video. i decided not to continue rowing in college after looking into lightweight programs due to past experience with eating disorders. i was so conflicted because i loved rowing but decided to put my mental health first. im so glad i made that decision & seeing this video is so validating!! im so sorry you had to go through all of this but i’m so glad you’re sharing your story to help others!!
Gretchen, I have watched your videos since your senior of high school. It has bee amazing to see you grow into the person you are today. Thank you for this!
In high school I was a light lightweight (~122 lbs) but considered a “heavy” coxswain and I worked so hard my senior year to be a lighter coxswain and it ruined my relationship with my body and weight and with food. I remember running miles and miles after practice and taking naps after school so I wouldn’t eat. And once I graduated high school and gained the weight back I was afraid to weigh myself for two years because of the fear of weighing myself at practice. Everyone told me I was so fit and I looked so great that I thought I was okay. Only one of my teachers mentioned that I looked really thin and that she was worried about me. I loved rowing but it has given me such a poor relationship with my weight, to the point I would cry and try to starve myself when I weighed over 130. Thank you so much for talking about this, Gretchen. It’s a tough topic but it needs to be discussed💞
My brother was a wrestler his whole life and D1 in college. The things you mentioned in this video are so spot on to the struggles and physical battles weigh-ins put on athletes. Those who are assumed to be at peak fitness and health, are actually putting their body through the worst conditions to compete. Thank you for shedding light on this - its such a "hush hush" topic that needs to be exposed.
holy cow gretchen i didn’t realize how much i needed this video. i just want to say that i feel like the toxicity around competitive sports is absolutely insane. i played travel basketball when i was quite young until i reach high school. once i got into high school and i ended up tearing my acl my freshman year. the amount of support you need to compete in a highly intensive sport is crazy and is not given in these high school programs. i got the point that i felt i was no longer being cared for by my high school coach with my injury and my pain that i had to go through every day to continue to compete for this team. i could not let myself get a new coach and a new staff and experience the same treatment i was getting in high school. i don’t know where i’m going with this but i’m thankful for you to just bring up the toxicity in the college sports atmosphere. Love u always!!!
This was extremely brave of you to share your story. I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience. It’s heart breaking that the coaches know what is going on, but don’t do anything! I’m glad you’re doing better now!
thank you so much for sharing your story gretchen! as a former d1 college soccer player who quit during her freshman year because of the unhealthy culture surrounding the program, i really appreciate hearing that i am not the only one who has gone through something like this. unfortunately the sad part of it is that multiple people have had negative experiences with college athletics and i think something needs to be done to prioritize mental health with sports at the collegiate level!
Personally this story hit home, because I am a proud member of the BU lightweight rowing team and would like to share my experience as a lightweight. I think that all opinions, experiences, and sides (both positive and negative) should be heard. It’s only fair. I think that every situation, and particularly each individual’s situation is different and trying to lump everyone’s together is not applicable to lightweight rowing. There are multiple ends of being a lightweight and this experience will be different depending on who you ask. Personally, lightweight rowing at BU has been one of the best experiences of my life. I had not previously rowed before college and decided voluntarily to pursue lightweight rowing my freshman year. This comes from someone who had an eating disorder during high school and is fully aware of how an emphasis on weight can affect mental health and self-image. In fact, being on this team has actually helped me with self-image and has kept me accountable for maintaining my own well-being. It has given me a place and an opportunity to be competitive. I’m 5’6” and personally would break under an open weight program. This may be a different response if you asked another teammate, but I cannot speak for them. I am more than honored to be a part of this team. We do practice hard, work hard, but we also have fun and value spending time with each other along the way (dry season, for example, is a response to valuing our dedication to our sport that we don’t want anything to interfere with that. Dry season is something we do out of respect for our sport and our bodies.) It is D1 athletics and different aspects of life will be prioritized because of that. Sometimes the balance is a challenge, but I have found a way to achieve this balance. We have coaches, and resources that help us at Boston University. They are there if we ever need them, and personally, I feel supported as a student-athlete and young women. All these resources have helped me find balance. I have learned how to overcome challenges on this team. I’ve learned what grit and determination means and what a blessing being a part of a close-knit family is. I have the letter saying that I made the team framed on my desk because being apart of the BU lightweight rowing team is the best opportunity I’ve ever been given. I know this is a long comment, but I wanted to share this because my love for this team, my coaches and for lightweight rowing will always be strong.
I really appreciate this comment because ultimately she made the decision to row LW and she put herself into this situation. Women who are naturally light and can stuff their face and still make weight should be the people who row LW not the people who have to worry about making weight. she makes it out to seem so bad, but she should've understood what LW rowing was before signing. she should never have been on the LW team and should've considered an open team.
If it’s only fair to show all sides, by all means MAKE YOUR OWN VIDEO. She’s not the spokesperson for every human being. She’s sharing her story. You come off as extremely rude.
Caitlyn Marie how is it her fault? She clearly said she was easily under 130 in high school so it would only make sense to stay in LW rowing for college
Thank you for posting this! I used to row and my sister rowed lightweight and she went through the same things you’re talking about, sleeping in garbage bags, sweat runs, starving herself to make weight. It’s terrible for your body and just becomes the “norm” until you step back and go this is insane! Thank you so much for sharing this and exposing lightweight rowing. It should not be something that is normalized.
Gretchen, thank you so much for opening up and talking to us about your rowing experience. I have been watching your videos for years now and I never comment but I feel like this needs to be said. I myself was a rower in a toxic/bad environment. My coach would congratulate girls for throwing up and tell our whole team how proud he was of girls "who went that far for their sport". He claimed pushing your body to its breaking point was the only way to be successful in the rowing world. After dreading practice every day, one day I decided I'd had enough. Just like you I would cry on the phone to my dad on my way to practice and on the way home telling him how stressful it was. I joined rowing to have fun and play a sport, not to be unhealthy and hurt my body. I really hope the rowing community can learn from its mistakes because its a shame so many girls have to experience things like you and I. Anyways I'm glad you are doing better now and please continue to makes videos like this because it helps so many people going through similar circumstances! Love you!
You are amazing for posting this. It took me years to get my metabolism and body back after stopping rowing lightweight. I am now healthier, look better and eat more food than I ever did rowing lightweight. I don’t own a scale and only weight myself at the drs and have bad flashbacks to staring down at the scale. Cracking up about losing 10 lbs in 2 days and the water chug/dehydration game - it was so normal but actually ridiculous. As an adult now, i actually can’t believe the amount of adults that turn a blind eye. US Rowing needs to look at the lightweight limit to be 130 ESPECIALLY with the addition of weight training to programs today.
I’m 4’11, weight around 130 and I’m completely healthy with a lot of muscle mass. Can’t even imagine how hard this was for you. The thought of sweat running and spitting to lose weight makes my stomach turn. I’m so sorry Gretchen! Proud of you for sharing babe 🧡
I do rowing now and for guys it may be different but the pressure of losing weight even being an open weight rower coaches are all over us to lose weight so that kinda sucks. But seeing these other guys that are pulling much better times that are a lot smaller than you really pulls you down. But I thank you for coming out with this to show the world what rowing does to our bodies
scorpio no yeah my coach is like that too button different people. We spend a lot of time doing weights but if you need to lose weight you have to run instead. But yeah we definitely do weights a lot
Wow this is really eye opening! Not only the world of weigh-in athletes, but I’ve followed you for so long and never realized you were going through this at the time. All of this going on while still keeeping an outwardly happy appearance! You are so strong!
Gretchen, I did not know anything about light weight rowing. I struggled with my own disordered eating since I was 15 and have final felt at peace. I cannot imagine the pressure you and the other girls are out under. You’re so courageous. People who don’t experience disordered eating don’t understand how toxic it is. I realized through therapy that it is so toxic bc you feel ashamed for what you are eating but also want to make yourself proud and these thoughts just go in circles in your head. It’s terrifying how much you can have conversations with yourself. You’re an inspiration to me. Healthy weight is just when you’re happy - that’s it. I have to learn it myself , I am so close. You make me feel ok being who I am. When I have my next bagel I’ll cheers to you ❤️
I’m glad you made the change and took steps to better your mental health and body health. So many of women today need this positive message and thank you for sharing your story Gretchen. It’s good to see you so happy and loving life and living it to the fullest!!
I come from a rowing family. My brothers were very successful high school rowers as well as my parents. This legacy led me to row my first two years of high school. I quit going into my junior year after verbal abuse from the coach as well as the thoughts of not eating started to come into my head due to the coaches view. My build and height were never meant to be a lightweight, but the coach pushed for it on me. I remember one of your older vlogs and you said that you quit crew at BU. You said something along the lines of it was toxic for me and not making me mentally safe and it really stuck with me. I spent that summer really finding myself and then finally decided to leave my school’s team. Now I am rowing for a relaxed club in the summer and really starting to love the sport again. Gretchen thank you for helping me find myself not just mentally but also thank you for helping me find my my love for rowing again❤️
I am so glad that you realized that you couldn't continue doing what was going on. You really are in inspiration to young men and women, you are by far one of my favorite you tubers. I have literally been with you since you started making your videos. You GO GIRLLLL
I actually joined my college's club rowing team (very chill not the same as D1 at all lol) after being exposed to rowing by you! It breaks my heart that you went through this but I hope you know that I got into rowing because of you and my much more relaxed experience with rowing has brought me a lot of positive things in my life! So thank you for that!
I just stumbled upon this video after watching a few of your other videos and as a dietitian this makes me so happy to hear what you’ve learned about food and exercise. Your new relationship with food and exercise is so good and I’m glad you’re able to share it with so many different people ❤️
Love how honest and real you are in this video (and always) about working out and health in general. So many people encourage unhealthy habits and unrealistic standards and I’ve always noticed and appreciated how you spread a message of positivity and love for your body no matter what stage it’s in! Thank you for making this video because it truly helps so much🥰
I have a tip for everyone. Not sure how it works in other countries but, join teams that are open to open weight and prefer not to join programs if they are lightweight. They don’t judge. I’m in one. I never got any complaints about my weight even though at the time I was overweight. Never mentioned anything bout weight. I didn’t know lightweight rowing was a thing till I heard one of my fellow athletes talking bout it and looked it up. I don’t recommend joining lightweight rowing teams unless you are naturally under 130lb, they will destroy your mental health. If you are interested in rowing, join one that doesn’t focus on your weight. Also for me, what helped is that my coach is like a mother to us. Overprotective, caring and making sure we do nothing unhealthy. We have a connection, all of us, teammates and coach. If we even dared to try and loose weight/diet, either she or one of our teammates would old notice and if she tells you off and you continue then it’ll get worse, you might even get kicked off for a while if it’s extreme tho at that point she’ll tell your parents or force you to go to a doctor. She doesn’t let things like this slide. Basically, do your research before joining a team
Girl this is SO IMPORTANT! Been following you all the years and this is my favorite of all your videos. Way to speak your truth and promote body positivity and confidence! Love your way!!!
ahhh gretchen, hearing what you and lucy went through breaks my heart. i’ve never been a part of a sport where weigh-ins were necessary but I have dealt with body image issues as a dancer. now that i’m older and living with chronic pain and an autoimmune disease, i can appreciate how great it is to have a fully functioning, healthy body. no matter what i look like, i try to remind myself how important it is that i’m healthy, because health isn’t in the cards for everyone. 💔
That seriously breaks my heart to hear about all the stuff you and your teammates went through. They're probably aren't that many videos out there about this so I'm proud of you for sharing your truth. You look so amazing and heathy right now and you're glowing with confidence. You're so strong and the videos where you open up are always my favorite. I love you!!
I️ cant express how important it is you shared YOUR truth! It’s inspiring how brave you were to speak out on something you felt uncomfortable sharing. This is your truth Gretchen, never apologize for speaking it! ❤️
I’m a 5’9” rower as well, but I’m not a lightweight bc I realize how crazy it is and know that it wouldn’t be realistic because to be healthy and race your best, you have to be hydrated and fuel yourself well! There’s some lightweights on my team and while we were at USRowing nationals this past week, they were all starving themselves and not eating meals and sweat running everyday, and I felt so bad for them bc I hated to seen them in that position to be so hard on themselves to make weight! I have no idea how you did lightweight rowing in high school and early college years bc I know from self experience as well that it’s hard to be tall, have good health, strong muscles, etc. without being above 130 lbs! I’m so glad that you got yourself out of that horrible situation and are able to be truly healthy now (physically and mentally)! ❤️ thank you for sharing your story bc I know that young rowers always want to know stories of older and experienced girls and some need this big awakening that lightweight rowing is not for everyone! You stayed so strong during this video and that goes to show how well you’re doing now while living your life without restrictions, working out a lot, fueling yourself well, being around people who care about you!
Thank you so much for this!! I was a gymnast for 15 years of my life and all of this you mentioned happened to me and lots of others and it’s horrible. It needs to stop and promoting health is great, thank you! Love your channel. I have been out of gymnastics for 3 1/2 years and I just have started realizing that no one is judging every once of fat on my body all the time. ❣️
Gretchen! Thank you so much for posting this video. I’m a lightweight rower going into my senior year of high school. I didn’t know if I wanted to row lightweight in college or not, but this video makes it pretty clear. I relate so much to your story, and I really applaud you for having the strength to share it. You have helped so many young girls!❤️
Wow. I applaud you for being so open about your experience. I’ve been following you and Lucy for forever and I definitely remember you seeming unhappy during that time. A major contrast to now and it makes me so happy that you are able to eat all the burgers and fries and cinnamon rolls freely! :) I’m so happy you now have a better relationship with food! Your positive spirit shines through your videos Gretchen and I’m so glad I get to see it! Keep killing it girl!💕💕
Wow, I did not watch your channel while you were rowing, but I feel so bad you went through that! I'm 5ft 5in and my natural weight is usually 125ish and thats me being skinny. I can't imagine being your height and trying to be 130, I don't think you should think of yourself as just a bigger person! I think you are the perfect weight for your height!!! Love you girl!
I’m am so glad you are talking about rowing. I haven’t started watching yet but I’m in high school and I row as well. I was really hoping for you to talk about this one day💗💗
Gretchen i am not in rowing but this video helped me a lot. I've always been so insecure about my weight and any time i go over 135 i begin to hate myself. Your struggle to be under 130 was a difficult story to hear, and i think it was so emotional to me because I've been doing the same to myself for no reason. You made me realize that it's okay, even healthy, to be over a certain weight. Thank you so much for sharing. Your story helps more than you know.
the same thing that happened to lucy happened to my sister julia at UC berkley, she was doing regular rowing freshman year and hurt her back so badly and is now a junior and can no longer row (although she loved it). My sister caroline rowed at gonzaga until her second semester soph year when she wanted to go abroad and then decided to bow out. crazy how much rowing controls your life. your stories legit parallel
Gretchen, I've watched your videos since you were in high school and I have always loved how real you are. I was a competitive figure skater from age 2 to 22. Body image has always been a struggle for me. I am so proud of you for sharing your story. You inspire me and so many other girls every day. I love your strength and realness. I watch your videos when I get ready in the morning before work and all through college.
Thank you Gretchen for always being so open and speaking the words we all want to say and what people have gone through. This takes a lot of courage to say and it means so much for you being able to open up! Love watching your videos and seeing you HAPPY! Health and happiness is the most important things in life! 💛
As crazy as it may sound, I truly feel like God wanted me to watch this video, lol! No but really, I am also 5"9' and was 118 basically all of 2019... I was in denial I was undereating because I just kept telling myself "I just like healthy food!" and this is true, but I was restricting the foods I ate like crazyyyy. & now I'm learning balance after such a bad relationship with food. I had to face the facts that every body is built different! Just because some other girl has thin legs, doesn't mean your body is supposed to have thin legs. It's all a learning process. Gretchen, you look absolutely BEAUTIFUL and you're truly such an inspiration to me, you have no idea. thank you :)
PREACH!! I was a 5’9” lightweight rower too and it was the worst thing for my body physically mentally and especially emotionally. I found your channel during that time and it helped me to watch you videos.
I rowed in high school and it was very toxic for me as well. I saw all the same stories you talked about. The starving, cutting hair, and sweat runs. It’s all horrific and needs to be brought to the public eye. I didn’t realize any of it wasn’t normal until I quit, which is just devastating. Thank you for sharing for story. ❤️
Gretchen 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I fucking love you and your heart and your message. Thank you so much for sharing, I don’t row but I have had an ed for quite some time and it just is good to hear someone else talk about the behind the scenes and things that contribute. Thank you for being you we love you❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This entire video is so impressive...your strength and maturity to talk about this now as well as how you were able to recognize the toxic things in your life and be courageous enough to make the changes necessary for your health and happiness. I'm going to be a sophomore in college this coming year and I know freshman year was hard enough just adjusting in general without the added stress of something like lightweight rowing...love you Gretchen, keep being amazing :-)
You’ve helped so many people by sharing your story...you’re so right that you don’t realize what you’re doing is unsafe until you’re out of that situation. Sending love!
Wow this rings so true for me and my college rowing team experience!!! It's so important for there to be a healthy team dynamic because rowing can be brutal with the time trials and weight classes and such intense training, lack of sleep and so many unhealthy habits that people promote. I had a similar experience my first two years rowing and we finally had a much better dynamic my senior year and it was such a difference!! I'm glad you did what was healthy for you.
And also talking about eating disorders and watching your teammates and friends go through that, I had a few teammates leave the team in the same way! It's so tough and it's scary that it happens all over because of this sport, I love rowing with my entire heart but I do not miss those parts of college rowing. Thank you for making this video, seriously.
Olivia Jade has left the chat
i'm crying omg
That was GOOOOD
HAHAHHAHA
So good hahahahah
HA
Now you eat 5 Guys with Max and go to Soul to be an actual healthy person physically and mentally. You’re amazing Gretchen. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and how much courage it took for you to make this video!
Bruh you straight trippin
please do more of these types of videos!! they are so helpful and powerful and help us understand influencers more, I wish other youtubers were as open and honest as you, Gretchen. You should be so proud of the platform you have created!!
I was floored when you said you were 5'9.. I can only imagine how hard it would be to stay under 130 wow.
Gretchen is the epitome of a Pisces. She's SO kind hearted. She feels so much and cares so deeply. I admire her pureness and how much she cares about everyone around her. I cannot imagine the pressure and having to balance two tough obligations. Thank you for your honesty and your love, it truly shows in your videos. Your strength and power can help so many people. Your existence is appreciated so so much by many. 💞
Her sign has nothing to do w her kindness, she’s just genuine and pure like many others 🥰
Cassidy Houston same hahah
54 minutes wow! Speak your truth Gretchen!
As a "natural lightweight" rower I've watched teammates struggle to make weight. Like Gretchen said, lightweight rowing is intended for smaller athletes to compete against people who are all the same size to level out the playing field. USRowing is considering getting rid of lightweight rowing at the youth level because of how many athletes put themselves at risk of health issues to be lightweight. Its unfortunate that lightweight rowing might become non existent in the future for girls who truly are lightweight and don't need to cut. I took official visits at BU and other schools with lightweight rowing and the fact of the matter is, the girls who are naturally lightweight do better on lightweight teams than girls who need to cut weight because they aren't fueling their bodies adequately to compete at the D1 level. There are plenty of open weight teams that recruit top lightweight rowers each year, and I think its important for high school rowers considering lightweight schools to explore open weight schools as well. It's also important to note that if you do commit to rowing on a lightweight team and you can't keep the weight down but still want to row, most coaches are understanding of that and would love to see you row on their open weight team!!
Yeah I can tell that girls Gretchen's height (or even my height/body build- I'm 5'5" and hover around 130-135) aren't technically the ideal for this weight class. It's supposed to be for actually little people, like 5'0", and it's so unfortunate that Gretchen got wrapped up in it! Weight classes look so frustrating to me because you gotta fuel your body first before paying attention to the numbers!!!
Hey loved you’re advice and I’m a high school junior girl rn. I’m 5’5 and am 119 lbs. Do you remember your 2k or 5k score from junior/senior year or the times that got recruits interested in you? I’m looking at lightweight programs for the most part. Thanks
I really appreciate you mentioning how metabolism changes highschool to university. It's the truth. I remember my mom being so careful to talk to us about puberty, about how some girls had boobs in high school and others didn't, all those things. But what really hit me? University. Your body is STILL changing, who I was at 18 in terms of my body is totally different from who I was at 22, even now at 26 after finishing grad school. Sure, you have all the features of an adult woman by 18, but there's still so much going on and how your body holds weight and responds to food and exercise is 100% different. I think it would help a lot more young women if we discussed maturation as more than just puberty, but as something that happens into your early twenties so they can be prepared to monitor their bodies...but also so they don't feel blindsided by changes that happen.
Also, on a more personal note. I really appreciate when people have the confidence to talk about their size. I sometimes am really critical of myself and when I hear someone who I think is pretty or has a great body talk about their size, and realize that my body is within a size of that...I don't know, it kind of wakes me up from negative self talk, helps me to snap out of it, realizing that it's a question of my mentality and my personal satisfaction. It's not really about my size at all. Anyway, just wanted to say your attitude is great now and you have wonderful confidence that you share and it's infectious! Thank you!
I just finished my freshman year at Cal and I’m a coxswain on the Women’s Rowing Team.
Everything that was said in this video pretty much applies to most rowing programs...this video is amazing and if you are thinking of rowing in college this is a video that must be watched all the way through. Thank you for putting this out there :)
Gretchen, I have never related to someone's story more. My university rowing story is sadly the same. My freshman year was scarily identical to yours - the weight gain from lifting, the weekly weigh ins, and the horrific cutting stories. It is so sad that rowing has come to this, and how much gets shoved under the table. I finally saw my team's toxic environment for what it was this fall and decided to walk away. Thank you so much for sharing your story and speaking your truth. Big love ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This was eye opening. I never knew that much about rowing and that culture seems toxic. I'm 5'4 and have been between 130 and 140 since I was in high school and I'm 24 now. I can't imagine having to keep a certain weight to do something
as an active rower this is what i was afraid was going to happen due to rowing be a less popular sport compared to others. but you don’t have to row in the light weight category but the category is there for a reason
I have so many comments after finishing this video. My heart hurts for you and what you had to go through. Such a terrible thing that doesn’t get talked about enough. I knew it was bad from how you were talking about lightweight rowing, but I had no idea it was this bad. I am so glad you were able to get out of it and grow into the person you were meant to be. Thank you for making this video.
I was actually on your team your senior year of high school (but was a freshman and not very good at the time lol) but I completely agree how toxic of an environment rowing, and lightweight more specifically, can be. I quit rowing soon after our coach left for another program because it kind of went to crap. I got horrible feelings at almost all the college programs I looked at and understanding that it wasn’t the end of the world to not row in college was such a hard thing to realize. My sister luckily rowed too and had the same stance as you after 4 years of D1 rowing and literally said “don’t do it” after I explained i hated every program but one that was way too pricey. It’s important to remember that you don’t graduate with a degree in rowing if you do row D1 it sucks up as much time as it takes to get your degree. Thank you for speaking about this, because rowing does get you sucked into this weird mindset (almost brainwash?) that you feel like you can’t live life without.
Seeing now this after 4 years and losing weight now. Last two sentences seems interesting. Is it worth rowing and when from your experience?
Rowing definitely has its ups and downs especially in college. I commend you for doing it as long as you did especially doing youtube. Both are not easy things to do alone so I can only imagine! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you for being so sensitive towards eating disorders and depression in this video, it really shows what kind of person you are. Thank you for sharing your experience, I know this is going to help so many people. You are so amazing. Love you Gretchen ♥️
I went through something similar with a different sport. It makes me to happy when you eat cinnamon rolls with Max . It reminds me of when my boyfriend and I go out to eat and hes like " babe if you want another taco, order another taco!" 💕 this video is amazing and so real and I love how NOT staged it is.
I rowed from elementary school to D1 in college and I'm feeling so validated by this THANK YOU
As someone who is 5’11 I have struggled comparing myself to my friends who are smaller than me and understandably weigh less and I can imagine how hard it was to experience that with rowing- thank you so much for talking about it, you’re amazing!
Hi, I am a current member of the Boston University Lightweight team. I just finished my freshman year and can quite honestly say that I have come back from college as a PROUD member of one of the best, in my opinion, teams not just in light weight rowing or rowing itself, but across the board in athletics. Not purely because of our success athletically, but because of honestly the members of the team who are synonymous with my best friends, the coaches who consistently show us so much love and positive parts of ourselves that we never knew were there, and finally because of a sport which has given me SO MUCH.
I personally struggled with anorexia nervosa when I was 11 to 14 years old, FAR before I had ever touched an oar let alone one in a lightweight boat. Before rowing I was a swimmer, runner, and skier and grew up having played or tried almost every sport I came in contact with. However, it was not until I did lightweight rowing that I finally for the first time in years felt truly happy and positive about myself. It showed me what nutrition meant, that your body deserves fuel and how to fuel it. I can also say this has been the same exact experience for SEVERAL of my teammates and close friends. I am 5'7" and eat happily and healthily and the culture on my team around weight and image has been nothing but supportive, something all of me and my freshman class this past year talked about all the time as something we love in particular about BU lightweight rowing. I cannot speak for people who were on the team 4 years ago, but I can say as a current member, and as a member of the future upcoming years at BU, my team has made me so happy to be a part of.
As for commitment, YES it is a D1 program. We train a lot and we train hard because our sport is our passion and any passion requires choosing it over other things at times. However, we still have so much fun and opportunities socially at school which my friends who are not athletes sometimes do not even get the chance to experience. We have dry season for 3 months, its really not too much of a tragedy and ultimately, its only enforced by ourselves of our own choice. Not the coaches or anyone else, we want to do well and substance doesn't really promote that. Training for 2 hours is what it takes. No olympian will turn to you and say that they train for an hour some days a week to achieve what they have in ANY sport. For instance, in the summer I do triathlons and my workouts for that which are completely of my own ambition and love range anywhere form 45 minutes to a little over 3.5 hours because they're distance sports. A marathon takes on average over 4 hours. Olympic distance triathlons which is what I race take about 2 hours to complete and they are so much fun.
I apologize for the length of this comment but I just wanted to say that in full: I LOVE my sport and my team. Do not be scared to ever try it because of one person's cautionary tale. Sadness and hardship can come up in ANY situation or period in your life, it did for me in a completely different world than the one I am currently in. To all my teammates, our athletic staff and fellow lightweight and open weight athletes I love you and love what we work hard to do
lightweight rowing is changing sooooooo much like lots of people at nationals this year want to completely get rid of it. it’s such a controversial topic and so important for changes to be made. thank you gretchen for the video!
This video was fantastic. I had a very similar experience as a D1 cross country and track athlete. I graduated three years ago, and like you it took me about that long to realize that I don’t have to exercise every day and I can eat what I want. Thank you for posting this. I don’t think people realize the pressure that female athletes are under.
I was a track athlete from 7th grade until I graduated college. It wasn't until I retired that I realized that it was actually sort of a toxic environment for me. No matter what others say it's almost impossible not to compare yourself to your teammates. Such a great video
I don't watch you regularly, but this video popped into my feed, and I watched the whole thing.
You are so brave, and wonderful, and you seem like a really kind and caring person. I admire you for making a video about this, not a lot of people would feel they could. Bravo to you for speaking out against an unhealthy culture, and keep putting yourself first.
That video you posted on the old vlog channel that is now lucys channel "why i feel fat" when that person wrote to your business email commenting on your body - just hits at another level now :(((
That is insane to me that athletes are starving themselves just to meet this weight requirement. Athletes need to be fueled by food and not be so stressed out about weight that they don't eat. They need to change these rules...it is especially damaging towards girls bc we are already so conscious of our weight and tie it so closely to worth/self esteem/etc. I'm so sorry you have gone through this. I'm glad you left. It's important there is a rowing for lighter girls but weigh ins and strict under 130 needs to be changed.
Claire Francis they were planning on taking light weight rowing away in total but decided against it bc it would be so hard for the people who were naturally lightweight to win the races against people so much bigger than them
I think this is a common theme in a lot of female college athletics, even ones without weigh ins. My friend played D1 lacrosse and a lottttt of girls on her team started developing eating disorders.
ALSO shame on those coaches... ik it's their job but like how can they sit there watching girls physically and mentally deteriorate and not be concerned/affected about it what a terrible culture to create
I think its mostly the more competitive of a team (especially collegiate), the more coaches let it slide. My coach in high school never let anyone who was not naturally under 130 pounds (even 1 or 2 pounds over) row or attempt to row lightweight.
Joann Sun oh okay gotcha. I guess i understand the competitiveness it just feels like at some point there’s a line of unhealthiness that isn’t worth it and should be a point of concern for the people who are supposed to be looking out for these athletes
@@joannsun9599 I row in university and some of our girls have to cut like 15 lbs and our coaches just let it slide
My twin sister and I row in a double just like you and Lucy did. We are going to be seniors in high school this fall. We just sat down and watched this video together and I find it extremely relatable and helpful. We were thinking about rowing lightweight in the fall because we are on the smaller side, and this clarified for us that it's probably not the best idea. With looking at colleges this was a very insightful video about what it's like to row in college. Thank you so much for being a great remodel and how brave of you to share your experiences. I have been watching your videos since you were an upcoming senior in high school just like me now and you inspired us to try out the crew. Seeing how much you have grown as a person makes you such an amazing remodel to us and many other girls. Thank you so much for all the advice you have given to me in your videos through the last 5 years it has truly changed my life!! I can't thank you enough for everything and especially this video.
please don't allow this video to affect your decision. If you are naturally a light weight then go for LW rowing. If you are trying to become a LW then do open weight. LW rowing isn't for everyone but if you are naturally small and light than it is perfect for you
You’re truly such a kind genuine and beautiful soul. This type of honesty must have been so difficult for you and it means the world to your viewers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This video is EVERYTHING. It's so amazing someone FINALLY being candid about the realities of Division 1 athletics. Although it's such a rewarding process at times, there are so many mental stresses placed on athletes that can be soooo damaging to mental health. Props to you, Gretchen, for creating a platform where you can share this to everyone and give the real side of what many think is a "dream".
One of my favorite quotes from Bojack Horseman that I think applies here: "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags". As a college athlete (not one that has a weight limit) I still relate to a lot of what you are talking about working out wise, it's crazy and all athletes could really use some reflection on what it costs to participate
You have done such a service for girls who are struggling. Well done.
I’m 5’4 and 135 and am always told I’m fit and healthy... I cannot imagine being as tall as you and having to be under 130. Thanks for sharing this tough story!
Aimie Ye just curious do you know how tall gretchen is?
im going to be upfront here- i have no idea who you are and ive never heard of you before, but this video popped up on my feed and as a fellow rower, i knew i had to watch. now, while i'm 5'10", around 145-150 lbs (so almost same stats as you in terms of weight and especially height), i honestly was really taken aback that you're so tall and rowed lightweight. like i just cannot fathom working out so much and also not eating (bc i eat often haha) and just trying to make weight. its wild. and its sad that this happens. while i personally have never considered lightweight rowing, i was mildly aware that it was problematic and i want to say thank you for posting this video. it really opened my eyes to some of the flaws that this wonderful sport has. also, as an incoming freshmen rower into a d1 school, it is nice to hear the "darker" side of collegiate rowing even if it doesn't affect me personally. thank you for posting this video, it will help a lot of men and women alike who were/are in the same position as you 💗
perfect example of the female athlete triad... it is so real and so unhealthy. glad you are doing better now and have the courage to talk about this
I rowed in high school and was in a lightweight boat my senior year which had always been my goal. I ironically met you at states right after having not eaten for 3 days to make weight. I thought I was the only one who had these experiences, and that all lightweights were naturally under 130 and didn’t have to do crazy things to make weight. Thank you for making this, it needs to be talked about more. I didn’t row in college thankfully but the eating problems still lingered for a while
As a LW rower, this was wrong of your coach to do this to you. To even consider you for a LW boat was wrong
130 for an athlete is MIND BOGGLING.
Depends on the sport! I compete in Olympic weightlifting and then the smallest class is 45kg. I think that’s around 100 lbs
That’s why it’s called LIGHTweight.
I’m so glad you posted this because I used to watch you and Lucy and see how much y’all worked out and how small you were and I thought I had to be like that. I would envy you so much for being able to run for 2 hours. I worked out all the time, which is good I’m glad I did, but I’m glad you made this to say you weren’t happy doing all of that. It makes me feel better to know you don’t have to do all that to feel happy or confident. Xoxo
This is so eye opening... my cousin rowed for Penn lightweight, and she quit her junior year I think? My whole family gave her such shit... After all of this it still seemed like she struggled with her relationship with food, and now I freakin get it. Wow. 😞 you’re so strong.
Hmmmm. Penn actually doesn't have lightweight women's rowing, perhaps your cousin was a coxswain?
I'm 5'6 and have gained some weight and now weigh 140, I thought I was overweight or just getting chubby but I actually am pretty muscular and this just opens my eyes that you can weigh whatever and still be healthy. Thank you.
Wow I can’t even believe that it would be ok for someone your height to even be that low of a weight 😥 I’m 5’6 and I’m not supposed to be under 125
What do you mean by you're not supposed to be? 5'9", 130 lbs is BMI 20, which is considered normal. However, it was not ideal for her considering she lost her weight. I am not sure why you think you can't be under 125 at 5'6".
According to doctors, a healthy weight for my height is above 125, anything below that is considered unhealthy.
I’m 5’6 and whenever I lose weight and I’m in the 130s I can’t go without a bunch of skinny comments
D N she might have other health issues that require her to be at least 125, everyone is different...
I’m so glad you finally talked about this! I had a very similar situation with volleyball, which didn’t require weigh-ins, but we had to meet certain lift requirements, practices, on agility training, on weightlifting, on weekend long tournaments, on top of playing a sport that physically strains your body. I never had a period and felt weird that my boobs were so tiny and that all I could ever think about was sleep because I was malnourished and trying to fit in schoolwork between all of my athletic responsibilities. Solidarity and I’m glad you parted with the toxic thing in your life!
THANK YOU GRETCHEN. It’s so relieving to hear someone coming forward with the dark side of endurance sports. This is what we all need to hear.
Found you a few months ago because I just got a golden retriever puppy Nala and discovered your Brody vlogs. I have been going through some of your past videos to get a better understanding of you and I just love how raw and vulnerable you are. You are so sweet Gretchen and are beautiful inside and out. Unrealistic body images are engulfed in society especially for adolescent girls in sports, modeling, etc. where body performance is necessary despite little to no education offered on the situations. Thank you for speaking up, I know hearing other peoples journeys is helpful for me in mine.
I started watching your videos because you were a rower (like myself), and here we are, like 5/6 years later, neither of us rowing. I have stayed as a subscriber throughout so many years bc I love you!!! like another comment said, speak! your! truth! Rowing is a crazy whirlwind of emotions, and as an optimist it’s very tough to rack your brain for the bad stuff, even when you know it’s right there. Love you and love this video and all that you are. Thank you for sharing your true life with us.
I’ve been watching for about 5 years and it’s so amazing to have watched you grow and evolve into the person you were meant to be. Thank you for making this video and sharing
This broke my heart. Just recently getting out of a toxic team culture has this video hitting too close to home, thank you so much for speaking out about this 💕
i relate to this so much gretchen. i played college soccer for a year and i hated it so much, but i felt like i had to do it and couldn’t find myself to quit for too long. trainers and coaches promoted us to basically live an unhealthy life as long as we could compete the way they wanted us to in games. They didn’t care if we were hurt or unhealthy and constantly would tell some of us that we were “too big” to be successful in the sport, even though we were healthy but not the smallest on our team. i remember i hurt my knee in a game and they told me to suck it up and wouldn’t treat me. now three years later my knee is still in pain anytime i workout. for some people they can handle it, but i know for me it ruined my life and caused me mentally to go through such a rough time. i’m proud of you for getting out of it when you knew you had to. especially with light weight rowing it seems soooo much more intense and unhealthy for us girls... a lot of people don’t understand the pressure of college sports (or sports in general) unless they go through it too so it can be hard for people to sympathize.
anyway long comment but i’m so proud of you for getting yourself healthier and knowing that it was time for you to get out of it!
You have such a way of connecting with your community by being so raw. Be vulnerable , speak your truth and always be you !!! Yasss Queen 👑
Oowww my heart! I saw that you posted a 50 min long video (!!!) so I threw it on during my cardio session (even though I know nothing about rowing I just love your videos) and this video had me in tears!!! Crying on the stationary bike over here!! I can relate to this on so many levels and I promise so many others will relate as well. You’re such a beautiful person inside and out Gretchen. Thank you for sharing your experience
you’re so brave and strong. recovering from an ED rn. i know this obsession. so dangerous. thank you so much for sharing.
I seriously admire your courage for posting this. You’re honestly amazing girl ❤️
gretchen, thank you so much for this video. i decided not to continue rowing in college after looking into lightweight programs due to past experience with eating disorders. i was so conflicted because i loved rowing but decided to put my mental health first. im so glad i made that decision & seeing this video is so validating!! im so sorry you had to go through all of this but i’m so glad you’re sharing your story to help others!!
row open weight! if you don't naturally have a light figure LW rowing isn't for you
Gretchen,
I have watched your videos since your senior of high school. It has bee amazing to see you grow into the person you are today. Thank you for this!
In high school I was a light lightweight (~122 lbs) but considered a “heavy” coxswain and I worked so hard my senior year to be a lighter coxswain and it ruined my relationship with my body and weight and with food. I remember running miles and miles after practice and taking naps after school so I wouldn’t eat. And once I graduated high school and gained the weight back I was afraid to weigh myself for two years because of the fear of weighing myself at practice. Everyone told me I was so fit and I looked so great that I thought I was okay. Only one of my teachers mentioned that I looked really thin and that she was worried about me. I loved rowing but it has given me such a poor relationship with my weight, to the point I would cry and try to starve myself when I weighed over 130. Thank you so much for talking about this, Gretchen. It’s a tough topic but it needs to be discussed💞
sorry but you shouldn't have even been considered as a cox
You are doing a great service to other young women out there by sharing your story!
At 5 foot nine i totally could understand how hard it would be to stay under that 130 number and still be muscular and strong enough to compete
My brother was a wrestler his whole life and D1 in college. The things you mentioned in this video are so spot on to the struggles and physical battles weigh-ins put on athletes. Those who are assumed to be at peak fitness and health, are actually putting their body through the worst conditions to compete. Thank you for shedding light on this - its such a "hush hush" topic that needs to be exposed.
Kelly G where does he wrestle?
holy cow gretchen i didn’t realize how much i needed this video. i just want to say that i feel like the toxicity around competitive sports is absolutely insane. i played travel basketball when i was quite young until i reach high school. once i got into high school and i ended up tearing my acl my freshman year. the amount of support you need to compete in a highly intensive sport is crazy and is not given in these high school programs. i got the point that i felt i was no longer being cared for by my high school coach with my injury and my pain that i had to go through every day to continue to compete for this team. i could not let myself get a new coach and a new staff and experience the same treatment i was getting in high school. i don’t know where i’m going with this but i’m thankful for you to just bring up the toxicity in the college sports atmosphere. Love u always!!!
This was extremely brave of you to share your story. I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience. It’s heart breaking that the coaches know what is going on, but don’t do anything! I’m glad you’re doing better now!
Wow this hit home. Not rowing in college was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you for posting this such an important message
thank you so much for sharing your story gretchen! as a former d1 college soccer player who quit during her freshman year because of the unhealthy culture surrounding the program, i really appreciate hearing that i am not the only one who has gone through something like this. unfortunately the sad part of it is that multiple people have had negative experiences with college athletics and i think something needs to be done to prioritize mental health with sports at the collegiate level!
Personally this story hit home, because I am a proud member of the BU lightweight rowing team and would like to share my experience as a lightweight. I think that all opinions, experiences, and sides (both positive and negative) should be heard. It’s only fair.
I think that every situation, and particularly each individual’s situation is different and trying to lump everyone’s together is not applicable to lightweight rowing.
There are multiple ends of being a lightweight and this experience will be different depending on who you ask.
Personally, lightweight rowing at BU has been one of the best experiences of my life. I had not previously rowed before college and decided voluntarily to pursue lightweight rowing my freshman year. This comes from someone who had an eating disorder during high school and is fully aware of how an emphasis on weight can affect mental health and self-image. In fact, being on this team has actually helped me with self-image and has kept me accountable for maintaining my own well-being.
It has given me a place and an opportunity to be competitive. I’m 5’6” and personally would break under an open weight program. This may be a different response if you asked another teammate, but I cannot speak for them.
I am more than honored to be a part of this team. We do practice hard, work hard, but we also have fun and value spending time with each other along the way (dry season, for example, is a response to valuing our dedication to our sport that we don’t want anything to interfere with that. Dry season is something we do out of respect for our sport and our bodies.) It is D1 athletics and different aspects of life will be prioritized because of that. Sometimes the balance is a challenge, but I have found a way to achieve this balance.
We have coaches, and resources that help us at Boston University. They are there if we ever need them, and personally, I feel supported as a student-athlete and young women. All these resources have helped me find balance.
I have learned how to overcome challenges on this team. I’ve learned what grit and determination means and what a blessing being a part of a close-knit family is.
I have the letter saying that I made the team framed on my desk because being apart of the BU lightweight rowing team is the best opportunity I’ve ever been given.
I know this is a long comment, but I wanted to share this because my love for this team, my coaches and for lightweight rowing will always be strong.
I really appreciate this comment because ultimately she made the decision to row LW and she put herself into this situation. Women who are naturally light and can stuff their face and still make weight should be the people who row LW not the people who have to worry about making weight. she makes it out to seem so bad, but she should've understood what LW rowing was before signing. she should never have been on the LW team and should've considered an open team.
If it’s only fair to show all sides, by all means MAKE YOUR OWN VIDEO. She’s not the spokesperson for every human being. She’s sharing her story. You come off as extremely rude.
Caitlyn Marie how is it her fault? She clearly said she was easily under 130 in high school so it would only make sense to stay in LW rowing for college
Love you Lina and agree 110%!!
Thank you for posting this! I used to row and my sister rowed lightweight and she went through the same things you’re talking about, sleeping in garbage bags, sweat runs, starving herself to make weight. It’s terrible for your body and just becomes the “norm” until you step back and go this is insane! Thank you so much for sharing this and exposing lightweight rowing. It should not be something that is normalized.
Gretchen, thank you so much for opening up and talking to us about your rowing experience. I have been watching your videos for years now and I never comment but I feel like this needs to be said. I myself was a rower in a toxic/bad environment. My coach would congratulate girls for throwing up and tell our whole team how proud he was of girls "who went that far for their sport". He claimed pushing your body to its breaking point was the only way to be successful in the rowing world. After dreading practice every day, one day I decided I'd had enough. Just like you I would cry on the phone to my dad on my way to practice and on the way home telling him how stressful it was. I joined rowing to have fun and play a sport, not to be unhealthy and hurt my body. I really hope the rowing community can learn from its mistakes because its a shame so many girls have to experience things like you and I. Anyways I'm glad you are doing better now and please continue to makes videos like this because it helps so many people going through similar circumstances! Love you!
Emily Munoz omg that’s so messed up. there’s so many similar situations it’s crazy. luv u💛
You are amazing for posting this. It took me years to get my metabolism and body back after stopping rowing lightweight. I am now healthier, look better and eat more food than I ever did rowing lightweight. I don’t own a scale and only weight myself at the drs and have bad flashbacks to staring down at the scale. Cracking up about losing 10 lbs in 2 days and the water chug/dehydration game - it was so normal but actually ridiculous. As an adult now, i actually can’t believe the amount of adults that turn a blind eye. US Rowing needs to look at the lightweight limit to be 130 ESPECIALLY with the addition of weight training to programs today.
I’m 4’11, weight around 130 and I’m completely healthy with a lot of muscle mass. Can’t even imagine how hard this was for you. The thought of sweat running and spitting to lose weight makes my stomach turn. I’m so sorry Gretchen! Proud of you for sharing babe 🧡
I think your perspective is so interesting and powerful and this is a message that every girl needs to hear!!
I do rowing now and for guys it may be different but the pressure of losing weight even being an open weight rower coaches are all over us to lose weight so that kinda sucks. But seeing these other guys that are pulling much better times that are a lot smaller than you really pulls you down. But I thank you for coming out with this to show the world what rowing does to our bodies
scorpio no yeah my coach is like that too button different people. We spend a lot of time doing weights but if you need to lose weight you have to run instead. But yeah we definitely do weights a lot
Wow this is really eye opening! Not only the world of weigh-in athletes, but I’ve followed you for so long and never realized you were going through this at the time. All of this going on while still keeeping an outwardly happy appearance! You are so strong!
Gretchen, I did not know anything about light weight rowing. I struggled with my own disordered eating since I was 15 and have final felt at peace. I cannot imagine the pressure you and the other girls are out under. You’re so courageous. People who don’t experience disordered eating don’t understand how toxic it is. I realized through therapy that it is so toxic bc you feel ashamed for what you are eating but also want to make yourself proud and these thoughts just go in circles in your head. It’s terrifying how much you can have conversations with yourself. You’re an inspiration to me. Healthy weight is just when you’re happy - that’s it. I have to learn it myself , I am so close. You make me feel ok being who I am. When I have my next bagel I’ll cheers to you ❤️
I’m glad you made the change and took steps to better your mental health and body health. So many of women today need this positive message and thank you for sharing your story Gretchen. It’s good to see you so happy and loving life and living it to the fullest!!
I come from a rowing family. My brothers were very successful high school rowers as well as my parents. This legacy led me to row my first two years of high school. I quit going into my junior year after verbal abuse from the coach as well as the thoughts of not eating started to come into my head due to the coaches view. My build and height were never meant to be a lightweight, but the coach pushed for it on me. I remember one of your older vlogs and you said that you quit crew at BU. You said something along the lines of it was toxic for me and not making me mentally safe and it really stuck with me. I spent that summer really finding myself and then finally decided to leave my school’s team. Now I am rowing for a relaxed club in the summer and really starting to love the sport again. Gretchen thank you for helping me find myself not just mentally but also thank you for helping me find my my love for rowing again❤️
I am so glad that you realized that you couldn't continue doing what was going on. You really are in inspiration to young men and women, you are by far one of my favorite you tubers. I have literally been with you since you started making your videos. You GO GIRLLLL
I actually joined my college's club rowing team (very chill not the same as D1 at all lol) after being exposed to rowing by you! It breaks my heart that you went through this but I hope you know that I got into rowing because of you and my much more relaxed experience with rowing has brought me a lot of positive things in my life! So thank you for that!
I just stumbled upon this video after watching a few of your other videos and as a dietitian this makes me so happy to hear what you’ve learned about food and exercise. Your new relationship with food and exercise is so good and I’m glad you’re able to share it with so many different people ❤️
Love how honest and real you are in this video (and always) about working out and health in general. So many people encourage unhealthy habits and unrealistic standards and I’ve always noticed and appreciated how you spread a message of positivity and love for your body no matter what stage it’s in! Thank you for making this video because it truly helps so much🥰
I have a tip for everyone. Not sure how it works in other countries but, join teams that are open to open weight and prefer not to join programs if they are lightweight. They don’t judge. I’m in one. I never got any complaints about my weight even though at the time I was overweight. Never mentioned anything bout weight. I didn’t know lightweight rowing was a thing till I heard one of my fellow athletes talking bout it and looked it up. I don’t recommend joining lightweight rowing teams unless you are naturally under 130lb, they will destroy your mental health. If you are interested in rowing, join one that doesn’t focus on your weight. Also for me, what helped is that my coach is like a mother to us. Overprotective, caring and making sure we do nothing unhealthy. We have a connection, all of us, teammates and coach. If we even dared to try and loose weight/diet, either she or one of our teammates would old notice and if she tells you off and you continue then it’ll get worse, you might even get kicked off for a while if it’s extreme tho at that point she’ll tell your parents or force you to go to a doctor. She doesn’t let things like this slide. Basically, do your research before joining a team
Did you and Lucy go vegan because you thought it would help keep weight off and stay under 130?
ouu that would be interesting to know
@@Emily-df3hv lots of girls on my team have done this fyi
Girl this is SO IMPORTANT! Been following you all the years and this is my favorite of all your videos. Way to speak your truth and promote body positivity and confidence! Love your way!!!
ahhh gretchen, hearing what you and lucy went through breaks my heart. i’ve never been a part of a sport where weigh-ins were necessary but I have dealt with body image issues as a dancer. now that i’m older and living with chronic pain and an autoimmune disease, i can appreciate how great it is to have a fully functioning, healthy body. no matter what i look like, i try to remind myself how important it is that i’m healthy, because health isn’t in the cards for everyone. 💔
That seriously breaks my heart to hear about all the stuff you and your teammates went through. They're probably aren't that many videos out there about this so I'm proud of you for sharing your truth. You look so amazing and heathy right now and you're glowing with confidence. You're so strong and the videos where you open up are always my favorite. I love you!!
I️ cant express how important it is you shared YOUR truth! It’s inspiring how brave you were to speak out on something you felt uncomfortable sharing. This is your truth Gretchen, never apologize for speaking it! ❤️
I’m a 5’9” rower as well, but I’m not a lightweight bc I realize how crazy it is and know that it wouldn’t be realistic because to be healthy and race your best, you have to be hydrated and fuel yourself well! There’s some lightweights on my team and while we were at USRowing nationals this past week, they were all starving themselves and not eating meals and sweat running everyday, and I felt so bad for them bc I hated to seen them in that position to be so hard on themselves to make weight! I have no idea how you did lightweight rowing in high school and early college years bc I know from self experience as well that it’s hard to be tall, have good health, strong muscles, etc. without being above 130 lbs! I’m so glad that you got yourself out of that horrible situation and are able to be truly healthy now (physically and mentally)! ❤️ thank you for sharing your story bc I know that young rowers always want to know stories of older and experienced girls and some need this big awakening that lightweight rowing is not for everyone! You stayed so strong during this video and that goes to show how well you’re doing now while living your life without restrictions, working out a lot, fueling yourself well, being around people who care about you!
Thank you so much for this!! I was a gymnast for 15 years of my life and all of this you mentioned happened to me and lots of others and it’s horrible. It needs to stop and promoting health is great, thank you! Love your channel. I have been out of gymnastics for 3 1/2 years and I just have started realizing that no one is judging every once of fat on my body all the time. ❣️
I’m so early! Saw your insta story yesterday, hope you’re feeling better.
Gretchen! Thank you so much for posting this video. I’m a lightweight rower going into my senior year of high school. I didn’t know if I wanted to row lightweight in college or not, but this video makes it pretty clear. I relate so much to your story, and I really applaud you for having the strength to share it. You have helped so many young girls!❤️
Wow. I applaud you for being so open about your experience. I’ve been following you and Lucy for forever and I definitely remember you seeming unhappy during that time. A major contrast to now and it makes me so happy that you are able to eat all the burgers and fries and cinnamon rolls freely! :) I’m so happy you now have a better relationship with food! Your positive spirit shines through your videos Gretchen and I’m so glad I get to see it! Keep killing it girl!💕💕
Wow, I did not watch your channel while you were rowing, but I feel so bad you went through that! I'm 5ft 5in and my natural weight is usually 125ish and thats me being skinny. I can't imagine being your height and trying to be 130, I don't think you should think of yourself as just a bigger person! I think you are the perfect weight for your height!!! Love you girl!
I’m am so glad you are talking about rowing. I haven’t started watching yet but I’m in high school and I row as well. I was really hoping for you to talk about this one day💗💗
Gretchen i am not in rowing but this video helped me a lot. I've always been so insecure about my weight and any time i go over 135 i begin to hate myself. Your struggle to be under 130 was a difficult story to hear, and i think it was so emotional to me because I've been doing the same to myself for no reason. You made me realize that it's okay, even healthy, to be over a certain weight. Thank you so much for sharing. Your story helps more than you know.
the same thing that happened to lucy happened to my sister julia at UC berkley, she was doing regular rowing freshman year and hurt her back so badly and is now a junior and can no longer row (although she loved it). My sister caroline rowed at gonzaga until her second semester soph year when she wanted to go abroad and then decided to bow out. crazy how much rowing controls your life. your stories legit parallel
Gretchen, I've watched your videos since you were in high school and I have always loved how real you are. I was a competitive figure skater from age 2 to 22. Body image has always been a struggle for me. I am so proud of you for sharing your story. You inspire me and so many other girls every day. I love your strength and realness. I watch your videos when I get ready in the morning before work and all through college.
Thank you Gretchen for always being so open and speaking the words we all want to say and what people have gone through. This takes a lot of courage to say and it means so much for you being able to open up! Love watching your videos and seeing you HAPPY! Health and happiness is the most important things in life! 💛
As crazy as it may sound, I truly feel like God wanted me to watch this video, lol! No but really, I am also 5"9' and was 118 basically all of 2019... I was in denial I was undereating because I just kept telling myself "I just like healthy food!" and this is true, but I was restricting the foods I ate like crazyyyy. & now I'm learning balance after such a bad relationship with food. I had to face the facts that every body is built different! Just because some other girl has thin legs, doesn't mean your body is supposed to have thin legs. It's all a learning process. Gretchen, you look absolutely BEAUTIFUL and you're truly such an inspiration to me, you have no idea. thank you :)
PREACH!! I was a 5’9” lightweight rower too and it was the worst thing for my body physically mentally and especially emotionally. I found your channel during that time and it helped me to watch you videos.
I rowed in high school and it was very toxic for me as well. I saw all the same stories you talked about. The starving, cutting hair, and sweat runs. It’s all horrific and needs to be brought to the public eye. I didn’t realize any of it wasn’t normal until I quit, which is just devastating. Thank you for sharing for story. ❤️
Gretchen 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I fucking love you and your heart and your message. Thank you so much for sharing, I don’t row but I have had an ed for quite some time and it just is good to hear someone else talk about the behind the scenes and things that contribute. Thank you for being you we love you❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This entire video is so impressive...your strength and maturity to talk about this now as well as how you were able to recognize the toxic things in your life and be courageous enough to make the changes necessary for your health and happiness. I'm going to be a sophomore in college this coming year and I know freshman year was hard enough just adjusting in general without the added stress of something like lightweight rowing...love you Gretchen, keep being amazing :-)
You’ve helped so many people by sharing your story...you’re so right that you don’t realize what you’re doing is unsafe until you’re out of that situation. Sending love!
Wow this rings so true for me and my college rowing team experience!!! It's so important for there to be a healthy team dynamic because rowing can be brutal with the time trials and weight classes and such intense training, lack of sleep and so many unhealthy habits that people promote. I had a similar experience my first two years rowing and we finally had a much better dynamic my senior year and it was such a difference!! I'm glad you did what was healthy for you.
And also talking about eating disorders and watching your teammates and friends go through that, I had a few teammates leave the team in the same way! It's so tough and it's scary that it happens all over because of this sport, I love rowing with my entire heart but I do not miss those parts of college rowing. Thank you for making this video, seriously.