Men's Vs. Women's Workout Programs

Workout programs often vary depending on an individual, as everyone has a different body type and fitness goal. Age and condition plays a role, as does your sex. Although male and female muscle tissue is the same, and both sexes make muscle gains, there are anatomical and hormonal differences that may factor into the workout routine your trainer gives you.

Muscle Similarities

Men may, on average, have larger frames and carry more weight than women, but according to "Men vs. Women -- Muscle, Strength, Exercise and Results -- Training Women and Men - What are the differences?" by Wayne Westcott, PhD, both sexes lose over six pounds of muscle per decade of inactivity. The muscle tissue in men is the same as the tissue in women, and both respond to weight training by increasing muscle strength and size. Although men may gain more overall muscle mass than women, performing weight-bearing exercise is beneficial for both sexes.

Knee Joint In Women

One of the biggest distinctions between male and female workout programs is based on an anatomical disparity. Women typically have hips that are wider than the placement of the knee joint, resulting in a sharper angle where the bones of the thigh and shin meet. Women often exhibit improper form when jumping, running and walking due to this anatomical angle, as well as weaker hip and thigh muscles. Women tend to rely more on the strength of the quadriceps, or front thigh muscles. While quadriceps are important, maintaining a balance of strength with the hamstrings, the back thigh muscles, and the hips are equally critical to knee joint health. Additionally, teaching proper form during exercise can prevent knee-related injuries.

Around The Middle

According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely to gain fat around the middle than are women; "beer bellies" and "love handles" are more often associated with men. Losing the belly fat requires lowering the amount of calories you eat and exercising with both aerobic and strength training. For men, including exercises that work your core and abdomen are important. These exercises will add lean muscle mass to your stomach, creating a firm muscle base. The cardiovascular activity is necessary to lose the weight, but toning the abdominal area can support the process.

The Pear Shape

Although women will also gain fat around the middle as they age and go through menopause, you are more likely to experience weight gain in your hips and thighs, giving rise to the classic "pear shape." According to a May 2006 article in "Scientific American," hormones play a key role in this process. Higher amounts of estrogen lead to fat around the hips and thighs, where women will use this stored form of energy during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Shedding fat from these areas is difficult. Women-specific workout programs can focus on aerobic activities that target the legs and buttocks as well as weight exercises that strenthen all the upper thigh, hip and gluteal muscles.