Why Women Might Benefit More From Exercise Than Men

FitnessMarch 12, 2024

For years, the mantra for staying healthy has been clear: get moving. And while the benefits of exercise are undeniable for everyone, a groundbreaking new study reveals a fascinating twist – women may actually reap greater rewards from physical activity compared to men, and often with less effort required.

This research, published in the esteemed Journal of the American College of Cardiology, challenges the “one-size-fits-all” approach to exercise and sheds light on the nuanced interplay between gender and physical activity. Let’s delve deeper into the study’s findings and explore what they mean for you.

The Workout Gender Gap

Freepik | wirestock | Active women had a 24% lower risk of premature death.

The study, led by Dr. Susan Cheng, Director of the Institute for Research on Healthy Aging at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, analyzed data from over 400,000 adults. The researchers compared participants’ self-reported physical activity levels with their risk of death from various causes over a two-decade period.

Here’s What They Discovered:

Women who engaged in regular physical activity enjoyed a 24% lower risk of premature death compared to their inactive counterparts. Conversely, men saw a 15% reduction in death risk with regular exercise.
The “sweet spot” for women in terms of exercise duration appeared to be around 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or cycling. This translated to a significant 36% reduction in death risk from heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Interestingly, men needed to double their weekly exercise time (reaching 5 hours) to achieve a similar level of benefit. This suggests that women might be more efficient at reaping the health rewards of physical activity.

Freepik | master1305 | Cultural and societal factors impact exercise habits, contributing to the gender gap.

Dr. Cheng emphasizes the significance of these findings, particularly in light of the persistent gender gap in exercise participation. “Women often lag behind men when it comes to physical activity,” she acknowledges. “This research highlights the potential to motivate more women to embrace exercise by demonstrating the substantial health benefits they can achieve with a relatively smaller time commitment.”

Beyond the Numbers: Understanding the “Why”

While the study doesn’t definitively answer the “why” behind the observed differences, researchers speculate that biological factors like body composition and hormonal variations might play a role. Additionally, cultural and societal factors that influence exercise habits could also contribute to the gender gap.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, applauds the study for bringing attention to the need for gender-specific exercise guidelines. “Men and women have distinct physiological responses to exercise,” she explains. “Our current recommendations often rely on data primarily derived from male studies. This research underscores the importance of tailoring exercise approaches to maximize health benefits for all individuals.”

Freepik | Physical activity is a powerful tool for promoting longevity and well-being.

Embracing Movement, Embracing Life

The message from this study is clear: physical activity is a powerful tool for promoting longevity and well-being, and women may hold a distinct advantage in reaping its rewards. Regardless of gender, however, the takeaway remains universally empowering – incorporating movement into your daily routine, even in small doses, can significantly impact your health and well-being.

So lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, or join a dance class. Every step you take is a step towards a healthier, happier you. Remember, even small changes can lead to big results, and when it comes to exercise, consistency is key. Find activities you enjoy, make them a part of your routine, and celebrate the power of movement in your journey toward a vibrant and healthy life.