Physically Fit. In terms of physical fitness, women are taking the lead. In a recent article in Time Health, the newest study findings were revealed to show women to be more physically fit than men.
The Study. The study was done at the University of Waterloo in Canada and looked at measuring several factors to determine levels of fitness in men and women. The specific focus was on oxygen levels and carbon dioxide production as well.
Oxygen Masks. The participants wore oxygen masks on their faces in order to study the amount of oxygen consumed at each stage of the physical activity. The masks also measured the amount of carbon dioxide produced per person on exhale.
The Reasoning. Measuring the breathing processes for each participant allowed researchers to gain insight into how quickly each person adjusted to heightened levels of activity. This is what's used to determine a person's overall endurance and physical fitness level.
The Basics. Basically, the more physically fit a person is, the faster their body will adapt to an increase in physical demand on them. The rate of adaption is measured by the rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide used and produced during the activity.
The Details. The study consisted of nine men and nine women. All participants were the same age bracket (18-30), had similar BMI's (body mass indexes) and similar backgrounds.
The Physical Activity. Once connected to their masks, the participants did a quick warm-up regimen before beginning the same treadmill routine.
The Workout. All of the men and women who participated were gradually brought to a rate of 80% of their max heart rates. They were given intermittent spurts of increased speeds and inclines to test their physical capacities.
The Measurements. According to the study, the parameters used allowed researchers to accurately gauge a person's physical fitness level. “If people are unfit, they adapt more slowly to exercise, they perceive it as being a greater load and therefore they back off and they become progressively less fit," said Richard Hughson, University of Waterloo professor involved in the study.
What It Means. The rate at which our bodies adapt to the exercise and increased physical strain is indicative of how quickly our bodies process oxygen. According to researchers, this is where women excel.
Women Are More Physically Fit. The results of the study showed women were able to adapt at a rate of approximately 30% quicker than men. In the study, women adapted to an increase in physical exertion after approximately 30 seconds. Men took roughly 42 seconds to process the same increase in activity.
Oxygen Absorption. The study also looked at the body's ability to absorb and transport oxygen throughout the tissues during the exercises. The female bodies proved to be more efficient and timely with processing the oxygen than male bodies. This helped them to excel in their overall fitness levels.
Fitness Indicators. Researchers were quick to point out the wide array of defining points that determine a person's fitness level, stating it isn't all about overall strength or muscle mass. "Fitness can be defined by that maximal aerobic power, or it can be defined by some other indicators," Hughson noted.
Rate of Adaption. Overall, doctors involved in the study noted the greatest indicator of fitness was the rate at which each person's body adapted to the increased strain. "If you monitor how quickly a person adapts to an exercise level, it really is an indication of fitness and health," Hughson said.
Next Up? Hughson said their next challenge would be to apply the same parameters on women and men who were in peak physical condition. He hopes to compare the results of the average male and female to that of meticulously fit men and women to see if the results are still the same. In the meantime, we're sticking with the win for the ladies. #womenstrong
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