Does women’s fitness equipment need to be designed differently than equipment used by men? Does gender in and of itself really matter when it comes to fitness equipment? These are some of the questions that people ask regarding women’s fitness and the equipment they need. It’s a good question and a topic worth discussing.
A woman’s gym — fitness equipment specially designed?
Women’s fitness equipment (as in “equipment designed specifically for women”) is not something I had ever seen until I joined a women’s fitness gym several years ago. I used that facility for about a year, and during that time I wondered why this equipment was only beneficial for women. There didn’t seem to be anything about its shape or design than said, “Only for a woman’s body type or shape.” The equipment, in my opinion, was mostly suited for a low-impact, daily workouts and especially ideal for older women. I definitely qualified.
After using it for quite a while – and enjoying the benefits I might add — I learned it wasn’t gender that was the important factor, but the fact that women often like to exercise with other women who are of the same fitness level. My conclusion was that the women’s fitness equipment was not designed for women only, but the environment may have been.
Men’s and women’s fitness
It is true that men often have more muscle mass than women. They can build larger muscles throughout their body, especially in their upper body. A man’s bones may be denser and his body may burn calories faster and do a better job at increasing muscle size. For this reason, men are often stronger overall…if they work at it. But as far as I can tell, that is about the extent of the differences between men and women when it comes to physical fitness. From what I have seen, read and experienced, gender has very little to do with a person’s base level of strength, stamina, flexibility, or balance.
From what I have learned, there is really very little distinction between the types of equipment a human body needs, or even the types of exercises one can perform, to increase in strength. All that confusion, which stemmed from years of grade school where boys/girls P.E. classes were always kept separate, has now been clarified. When it comes to our fitness equipment, women and men are very similar. The differences are more likely related to age, health condition, or physical limitations.
The best equipment for women’s fitness is…
If you are a woman who is looking for a special “women’s fitness equipment” for your current or new exercise program, it might be another fitness companion you need more than a unique piece of equipment. That’s right! The best women’s fitness equipment just might be a close friend.
Regular physical fitness is so important and women of all ages can benefit from increased stamina and stronger bones. Designing a custom fitness system to match your fitness level and workout desires is the first step. The next step is finding a friend who also enjoys exercising outdoors…and that shouldn’t be too difficult.
StayFIT fitness stations are just as valuable for women as they are for men. It’s that simple. Contact us at Pacific Outdoor Products for help with designing a StayFIT fitness system for your home, neighborhood, park, school, hospital, or business.
