1. Gender Factors and Exercise
Chapter 20
Gender Factors and Exercise

2. Some gender differences for physiological parameters
Height:
men are taller
Weight:
men weigh more
Body Composition:
men have less body fat and more fat-free weight
VO2 max:
women tend to have lower VO2 max values and anaerobic capabilities
Strength:
men tend to be stronger than women
Strength per unit of muscle mass:
no difference
For more information, visit Gender Differences in Endurance Performance and Training at

3. Gender comparison for various physiological functions

4. Gender comparison for various physiological functions (cont.)

5. Comparison of world records for men and women as of January 2001

6. Comparison of world records for men and women as of January 2001 (cont

7. High-intensity exercise and hormonal disturbances in women
Delayed menarche
Cessation of menstruation
Infertility
Osteoporosis

8. Exercise and the menstrual cycle
Intense training programs can result in amenorrhea and other athletic menstrual cycle irregularities (AMI).
There is no compelling scientific evidence that the menstrual cycle has a general effect on athletic performance. Individual athletes may or may not be affected.

9. The female athlete triad
Disordered eating
Amenorrhea
Osteoporosis

10. Sports associated with the female athlete triad
Sports that emphasize low body weight:
gymnastics, figure skating, diving, cheerleading
Sports that use weight categories:
horse racing, martial arts, wrestling, rowing

11. What should coaches and trainers look for to prevent development of the female athlete triad?
Early signs of disordered eating include
excessive weight loss
avoidance of food
use of laxatives and diuretics
vomiting
For more information, visit The Physician and Sports Medicine: Female Athlete Triad at

12. Exercise and pregnancy
Recommended program
any program performed for about 43 minutes a day, three times a week, with a heart rate of no more than 144 beats per minute
Normal pregnancy and childbirth should not affect subsequent performance

13. Methods for counteracting the stigma against weight training for women
Female role models in the weight room
Coeducational coaching staffs
Coeducational weight rooms
Not communicating lesser expectations to female athletes than to male athletes

14. Precautions for pregnant women during strength training
Be cautious when performing heavy multi-joint free weight exercise after the first trimester.
Pay attention to dress and environment to avoid becoming overheated.