Exercise: A Gendered Affair
Exercising is said to be the key to a long and healthy life, with the added bonus of reducing the risk of death, especially from heart issues. But here’s the kicker: the benefits of exercise may not be the same for everyone, depending on their gender. So, who needs to put in more effort to stay alive: men or women?
Well, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2024, women seem to have it easier when it comes to reaping the rewards of exercise. The study, which involved over 412,000 American adults aged 27 to 61, found that women can get more bang for their buck when it comes to moderate to vigorous physical activity. Dr. Martha Gulati, one of the study’s authors, pointed out that women can get more out of each minute of exercise compared to men. That’s a win for the ladies!
The study collected data from participants using the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2017. The participants were asked about the types, frequencies, durations, and intensities of their exercises, as well as their demographic information and medical history. The study excluded individuals with certain health conditions at the beginning of the study period, such as heart disease or cancer. The researchers also checked the National Death Index for mortality data, linking it to the participants’ survey data. In the end, 39,935 participants passed away during the study period, with 11,670 deaths related to cardiovascular issues.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. About 32% of women and 43% of men reported engaging in regular aerobic exercise, clocking in at least 150 minutes per week. The results showed that women who exercised regularly had up to a 24% lower risk of death from any cause, while men only saw a 15% reduction in mortality risk. Women also saw these benefits in a shorter amount of time, with about 140 minutes of exercise per week being enough to match the benefits men got at 300 minutes per week. Talk about efficiency!
Strength training also played a role in longevity, with about 20% of women and 28% of men reporting engaging in two or more sessions per week. Interestingly, women who strength-trained at least twice a week had a 19% lower mortality risk compared to those who didn’t, while men saw an 11% reduction. Cardiovascular health benefits were even more pronounced, with women seeing a 36% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality with aerobic exercise, compared to 14% for men. Muscle strengthening also showed significant benefits, with a 30% reduction in cardiovascular risk for women and 11% for men. It’s a workout showdown!
The study, while informative, had its limitations. Self-reported exercise data and the exclusion of non-leisure time activities may have skewed the results. However, the findings align with previous research showing a stronger link between exercise and lower death risk in women than men. The researchers hope these results will motivate more women to get moving, whether through traditional cardio or strength training routines. Let’s get those muscles pumping, ladies!
In conclusion, exercise is a powerful tool for a longer and healthier life, with women seemingly benefiting more from less effort compared to men. So, ladies, it’s time to lace up those sneakers and hit the gym for some gains in longevity. As for the guys, well, maybe it’s time to step up your game and get those reps in. Stay active, stay healthy, and keep those hearts pumping!
