According to a recent study by the National Institute of Health, women may benefit more from regular exercise than men. The study revealed that women require two and a half hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to achieve their 'maximum survival benefit,' while men need more than double that amount.
The differences in anatomy and physiology between men and women were cited as potential reasons for this contrast. Men typically possess increased lung capacity, larger hearts, leaner body mass, and more fast-twitch muscle fibers compared to women. Consequently, women need to exert more energy and strength to perform the same movements, leading to greater benefits.
The study, which analyzed the exercise habits and cardiovascular health of over 400,000 U.S. adults from 1997 to 2019, found that over 11,600 individuals died from cardiovascular-related causes by the study's conclusion. Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in the U.S., affecting both men and women.
Regular aerobic exercise was shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 36% for women and 11% for men. Similarly, engaging in regular strength training lowered the risk by 30% for women and 11% for men.
The study highlighted the importance of adhering to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend two and a half to five hours of moderate-intensity exercise or one to two and a half hours of vigorous exercise weekly, combined with strength training sessions. It also emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise, as individual physical activity needs and goals may vary based on age, health status, and schedule.
While the study acknowledged limitations such as self-reported questionnaire responses and the exclusion of various household activities, it underscored the significant benefits of regular exercise for both men and women. Even minimal amounts of exercise, such as 20-30 minutes of vigorous activity a few times per week, can yield substantial gains in overall health and well-being.
