In our society, we tend to view physical activity as something only men do, while women remain seated at home for hours upon hours each day. Women’s fitness often goes undervalued compared to male counterpart exercises and activities. However, recent research shows that women are just as physically fit as men when they exercise regularly. Here are some reasons why women should take their fitness seriously.
1 – Physical Strength
The first reason women have to get fit is because they need to build strength in order to perform housework, care for children, cook meals, shop for groceries, etc – tasks that require physical strength. In addition, since women have smaller muscle mass than men at rest, they may experience greater gains in muscular strength when undertaking various types of physical activity.
2 – Cardiovascular Health
Women also benefit greatly from cardiovascular exercise. While many people believe that cardio only helps men build muscle, women actually burn fat faster and more efficiently than men. One study showed that women who exercised three times per week burned about twice as much fat as those who did less than once per week.
3 – Bone Density
Because women produce lower amounts of testosterone, they lose bone density even if they don’t use steroids. As the body ages, estrogen production decreases, causing bones to become weak and brittle. Therefore, it’s important for women to consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, both of which help bones strengthen.
4 – Lung Function
Studies show that women tend to be stronger breathers than men. By taking advantage of exercises that target lung function, women can improve breathing efficiency and exercise tolerance.
5 – Mental Wellness
When women participate in sports, exercise programs, and participate in fitness classes, they learn how to handle themselves in social situations. When someone sees them exercising, they feel encouraged to follow suit. Sportsmanship and teamwork also develop when women play competitively. These traits can translate into everyday life, helping them deal with stressful situations more effectively.
6 – Self-Confidence
Many studies show that regular participation in any kind of exercise program can increase self-confidence. Whether it be running, cycling, swimming, dancing, playing baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, golf, or anything else that encourages physical activity, women gain confidence in their abilities and skills.
7 – Overall Fitness