05 Aug Women Can Have Less Exercise Than Men And Still Earn the Same Health Benefit. Here’s Why
Sometimes less is more—a sentiment that is widely applicable even to one’s health, especially to women.
A 2024 study showed that women can get more benefits from regular physical activity than men, even with less effort put in.
Men who do around 300 minutes of aerobic exercise in a week had 18% lower risk of dying, according to the study. Meanwhile, women only need around 140 minutes of aerobic exercise to see the same benefit.
Women who do 300 minutes per week of exercise can lower the risk of dying by 24%.
The reduced risk of dying is also seen in strength-based exercises. Men who participate in strength-based exercises had an 11% reduced risk of dying, while women who participate in the same exercise had 19% reduced risk of death.
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Unique Challenges of Women in Physical Activity
Women’s hormones fluctuate, which might have an effect on your energy levels and quality of exercise.
During ovulation, estrogen levels are elevated. It can be a great time to engage in high-intensity workouts such as weight training or running.
Women might experience more energy and motivation while seeing improved physical performance during ovulation.
Meanwhile, women in their luteal phase should opt to engage in low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or Pilates to help with the body’s recovery. This might also be the time when women are experiencing premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain and cramps.
During menstruation, women might feel more lethargic than usual.
How to Pick the Best Workout for You?
The best way to choose the right exercise routine is by defining your health goals, with different physical activities offering different results.
You should also consider your style of physical activity, whether you like to do it alone or with a friend, or mix it up depending on your schedule.
Do an exercise that fits your schedule so you can be more consistent in your routine.
Choosing to do better is the first step in achieving your better health goals.
At iCare, the best affordable HMO in the Philippines, we know how the power of choice can shape your health. This is why every health plans are tailored-fit to all healthcare needs of Filipinos and the communities we serve.
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