Fitness Gender Gap: How Caregiving Impacts Women’s Health

Physical Activity Gender Gap: Women vs Men

Multiple studies have now confirmed that significantly more men meet aerobic exercise recommendations compared to women. The primary reason for this difference is an imbalance in unpaid labor, with social norms often prioritizing family needs for women over personal wellness.

A recent large-scale study involving over 400,000 Americans pointed out that only 33 percent of women met weekly workout recommendations, whereas 43 percent of men did. This trend is observed globally and has severe implications for women’s health, as they live longer but spend more time dealing with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

The Burden of Time and Social Responsibilities

Time scarcity and societal expectations play a huge role in this exercise gender gap. Women typically have about 13 percent less leisure time than men, primarily due to the greater proportion of unpaid work they bear. A report by the Gender Equity Policy Institute found that women aged between 35 to 44 have one hour less of free time every day compared to men of the same age group.

Women often put the health of others before their own, viewing exercise as a luxury that can only be “sneak[ed] in” when others don’t require their attention. This issue is further compounded by the type of tasks women typically handle, which revolve around others’ schedules, leaving little flexibility for personal time.

Disparities Begin in Childhood

The exercise deficit starts early and only expands with time. Youth sports opportunities are generally more accessible to boys than girls. In 2019, over a million more boys participated in high school sports compared to girls.

Factors contributing to this disparity include a confidence gap, safety concerns, and differing motivations between genders. For instance, men are more likely to exercise because they enjoy it, while women are often driven by body image goals, making it less of a stress-relieving activity.

Addressing the Gender Exercise Gap

Despite systemic barriers, physical activity is extremely beneficial for women. Strategies to encourage more physical activity among women include reframing exercise as a form of self-care, building accountability through workout partners, and celebrating any movement rather than striving for perfection. However, for a more permanent solution, society needs to address the unequal burden of unpaid labor that undermines women’s health and quality of life.

For more details, refer to the original article published by The New York Times.