Do women really need less exercise than men?

The concept that women require less exercise than males has caused great discussion. Some suggest that biological distinctions support this notion, while others believe it oversimplifies a complex topic.

The arguments

Different Exercise Needs, Not Less Exercise

While men and women have different physical characteristics, this does not necessarily imply that women require less exercise. Instead, their exercise requirements may range in type and intensity. Women, for example, generally benefit more from endurance and flexibility workouts like yoga and pilates, whilst men may prefer strength training.

In reality, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that both men and women participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. These instructions do not differ by gender, implying that exercise is equally important for men and women, albeit with distinct focus areas.

Exercise and Hormonal Differences

Hormonal variations between men and women influence how each gender approaches exercise. Women, for example, go through menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, which all have an impact on their energy levels and exercise ability. During specific stages of the menstrual cycle, women may need to modify their workout routines to account for changes in energy and endurance. This does not imply that individuals need less exercise; rather, their activity requirements may change more over their lives.

Furthermore, a study published in The Journal of Endocrinology found that oestrogen, the principal female sex hormone, has a protective effect on muscles and may contribute to a lower demand for muscle recovery time than men. However, this does not imply a lower requirement for exercise but rather a difference in how the body responds post-exercise.

It’s About Tailoring, Not Lessening

So, do women actually need less exercise than men? The answer is not straightforward. While biological and hormonal variations indicate that men and women may benefit from different types of exercise, this does not imply that women require less exercise in general. Instead, it emphasises the significance of personalising exercise regimens to individual needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all strategy based on gender.

While the idea that women require less exercise than men may be based on biological truths, it is more important to recognise and respect each gender’s unique exercise requirements. Both men and women require frequent exercise to stay healthy, but the type and intensity of exercise vary. Everyone, regardless of gender, should participate in a balanced fitness plan that incorporates cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training to ensure overall well-being.

The facts

Biological Differences Between Men and Women

There are several reasons why some people argue that women are biologically different from men in terms of their need for exercise. Men often have higher testosterone levels and greater muscle mass, which can accelerate calorie burning and facilitate muscle growth. Men burn more calories even when they are at rest because maintaining their greater muscle mass demands more energy.

A study that was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology claims that men’s bodies naturally use more energy even when they aren’t exercising because of their larger muscle mass, which results in a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR). However, women have a lower BMR and a higher percentage of body fat, which may indicate that they don’t need to burn as many calories through exercise to maintain their body weight.

Women and Cardio Endurance

Interestingly, some research indicates that women may have an advantage in endurance exercises. A study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise discovered that women are better at using fat as an energy source during endurance sports, giving them a modest advantage in long-duration exercises. This does not suggest that individuals require less exercise; rather, their bodies respond differently to the same routines.