Being a Woman is Tough!

New research confirms what many frustrated women have always suspected: women have a harder time losing weight with exercise than their male counterparts.

An American College of Sports Medicine study concludes that men don't have to work out as long or as hard as women to get in shape. Men are also less likely to be injured when they exercise.
According to the study, men's metabolisms speed up as soon as they begin exercising, while women's bodies see exercise in the same way as starvation and so they slow down to preserve weight. This "starvation mode" lasts for two to three weeks so women need to work for at least that long before they start seeing noticeable and lasting results. Those women who work out for a couple of weeks and then stop, only to start again a few weeks later are only sabotaging their goals.

Of course we already know that women tend to have less muscle mass than men, and this also contributes to slower metabolisms, as muscle burns more calories than any other type of tissue. Women should combat this problem by incorporating weight training to their workouts.
Another conclusion from the study is that women burn more fat with longer sessions of less intense exercise. It is advised that women exercise for at least 30 - 45 minutes per session.
Unfortunately, women are also more prone to injury, especially knee problems, during these exercise sessions because of their hormone fluctuations and their anatomy. Being aware of that and using various forms of cardio, as opposed to running everyday, could alleviate some of this stress to the knees.

As disheartening as this new study may be, this is really nothing new. Men have always had an easier time losing weight, but there are plenty of healthy, strong and fit women who have defied the odds. And if they can do it … so can you!