Hector Choksi explores the similarities and differences in popular gymming trends between men and women. Ever heard a young lass say, "Oh no, I don't want to add weights to my gymming, I don't want to build muscles!"?
Women's muscles are somewhat differently built and so, it is more difficult for them to develop muscular physique. So, all weights do to women is to tone their bodies, something that most of them crave for, and also strengthen the muscles.
Yes, contrary to the popular belief, men and women should not train differently, although the type of training you do may vary to suit your goals. There is no single "best" gym workout, because the best workout for you depends on your genetics, exercise experience, fitness level, goals and schedule, but there are certain factors you need to consider when planning your workout.
While there are differences in how men and women view fitness, some experts find the gaps narrowing. For example, women are becoming less intimidated by weight training. "That's probably because they're learning that lean muscle goes a long way in helping them lose weight," says Ranjita Bhat, an orthopaedic surgeon at Magna Gym at Mumbai and a certified personal trainer.
There are many other areas in which men and women can learn from each other (and not just when it comes to fitness, but that's another story!). "Men can teach women not to be afraid to work hard," says Bhat. "Women are still wary of looking like a body builder, and are afraid they will injure themselves.
Women can often handle more than they think they can, but because they have never pushed themselves that hard, they think they might tear a muscle or overtrain to the point of injury," she adds. Her advice to women? "A couple of sessions with a qualified personal trainer will help you set your levels so you can find out when to push and when to ease off," she says.
"On the other side, women can teach men that fitness can be fun," says Bhat. She points out that many women have tried a variety of exercise routines, both in the gym and out -- step classes, spin classes, pilates, yoga, and so on. "Most of the men in my pilates studio were dragged in by their wives who were hoping to fix their aching joints," she says. "There was no way they were going to try something so different on their own!"
"Yes, a guy might feel a little silly in a belly-dancing class," Bhat agrees, but most fitness options offer variety without sacrificing "manliness." "And the different movement patterns of, say, yoga, pilates, or dance classes, can increase balance, core strength, and flexibility in a fun and challenging way."
According to Bhat, the following are some differences between the way men and women approach gymming:
* Men do only weight training, be it free weight or resistance machine. Women go for yoga, Tai Chi or body balance. Why? Men want big muscles that bulge their veins, big biceps, and big chest. Women do not want big muscles. They want lean muscles, slim thighs and toned arms.
* Men enjoy sweating while working out; the more, the better. Women do not like getting wet this way.
* Men do not care about dressing up for gym; casual wear will do. Men do not care about their love handles or spare tires and they wear whatever they like. Women care about their appearance. They do not want others to see their cellulite. They hate their flabby arms and they want to hide them even in the gym.
* Men are more stubborn. They are afraid to ask advice. They are afraid of making a fool of themselves. Men have a big ego. Women take instructions better. They ask and they follow.
* Men's bodies tend to be less flexible, but men have better upper body strength. Women can bend, stretch, and twist without much problem. They have better lower body strength.
"Unfortunately, a lot of women still stay away from the weights and stick to the cardio, thinking that will get them the lean, toned look they want. But, they would be much better off adding the weights to their routine. I don't know if time is diminishing that line or not.
I've been gymming for 15 years and I still see the same ratio of women to men in the weight area of the gym. It has always been a lot more men than women. It also seems that a lot of girls that venture away from the cardio, stick to the weight machines, and less girls do the free weights.
I am guessing this is because it is mainly men in that area and they don't want to do something wrong and feel self-conscious." Says Naina Tiwari, a personal trainer at the Maxims Gym at Kolkata.
No matter the gender, one should aim their exercise regimen to their personal goals. Cardio is excellent for the heart and lungs and is also beneficial for weight loss, but those women who seek an overall fitter frame should also do weight lifting and educate themselves on what exercises are beneficial to the specific area they wish to work on.
Women's muscles are somewhat differently built and so, it is more difficult for them to develop muscular physique. So, all weights do to women is to tone their bodies, something that most of them crave for, and also strengthen the muscles.
Yes, contrary to the popular belief, men and women should not train differently, although the type of training you do may vary to suit your goals. There is no single "best" gym workout, because the best workout for you depends on your genetics, exercise experience, fitness level, goals and schedule, but there are certain factors you need to consider when planning your workout.
While there are differences in how men and women view fitness, some experts find the gaps narrowing. For example, women are becoming less intimidated by weight training. "That's probably because they're learning that lean muscle goes a long way in helping them lose weight," says Ranjita Bhat, an orthopaedic surgeon at Magna Gym at Mumbai and a certified personal trainer.
There are many other areas in which men and women can learn from each other (and not just when it comes to fitness, but that's another story!). "Men can teach women not to be afraid to work hard," says Bhat. "Women are still wary of looking like a body builder, and are afraid they will injure themselves.
Women can often handle more than they think they can, but because they have never pushed themselves that hard, they think they might tear a muscle or overtrain to the point of injury," she adds. Her advice to women? "A couple of sessions with a qualified personal trainer will help you set your levels so you can find out when to push and when to ease off," she says.
"On the other side, women can teach men that fitness can be fun," says Bhat. She points out that many women have tried a variety of exercise routines, both in the gym and out -- step classes, spin classes, pilates, yoga, and so on. "Most of the men in my pilates studio were dragged in by their wives who were hoping to fix their aching joints," she says. "There was no way they were going to try something so different on their own!"
"Yes, a guy might feel a little silly in a belly-dancing class," Bhat agrees, but most fitness options offer variety without sacrificing "manliness." "And the different movement patterns of, say, yoga, pilates, or dance classes, can increase balance, core strength, and flexibility in a fun and challenging way."
According to Bhat, the following are some differences between the way men and women approach gymming:
* Men do only weight training, be it free weight or resistance machine. Women go for yoga, Tai Chi or body balance. Why? Men want big muscles that bulge their veins, big biceps, and big chest. Women do not want big muscles. They want lean muscles, slim thighs and toned arms.
* Men enjoy sweating while working out; the more, the better. Women do not like getting wet this way.
* Men do not care about dressing up for gym; casual wear will do. Men do not care about their love handles or spare tires and they wear whatever they like. Women care about their appearance. They do not want others to see their cellulite. They hate their flabby arms and they want to hide them even in the gym.
* Men are more stubborn. They are afraid to ask advice. They are afraid of making a fool of themselves. Men have a big ego. Women take instructions better. They ask and they follow.
* Men's bodies tend to be less flexible, but men have better upper body strength. Women can bend, stretch, and twist without much problem. They have better lower body strength.
"Unfortunately, a lot of women still stay away from the weights and stick to the cardio, thinking that will get them the lean, toned look they want. But, they would be much better off adding the weights to their routine. I don't know if time is diminishing that line or not.
I've been gymming for 15 years and I still see the same ratio of women to men in the weight area of the gym. It has always been a lot more men than women. It also seems that a lot of girls that venture away from the cardio, stick to the weight machines, and less girls do the free weights.
I am guessing this is because it is mainly men in that area and they don't want to do something wrong and feel self-conscious." Says Naina Tiwari, a personal trainer at the Maxims Gym at Kolkata.
No matter the gender, one should aim their exercise regimen to their personal goals. Cardio is excellent for the heart and lungs and is also beneficial for weight loss, but those women who seek an overall fitter frame should also do weight lifting and educate themselves on what exercises are beneficial to the specific area they wish to work on.