Is it true that building muscle is harder for women than men? A common misconception, says Professor Leigh Breen, a muscle physiology specialist at the University of Leicester. While men typically have a higher muscle-to-fat ratio due to testosterone surges during puberty, this does not determine training effectiveness.
Testosterone and Muscle Growth
Women have 15 to 20 times lower testosterone levels than men, yet relative muscle gains from resistance training are similar. Breen explains: "If you look at percentage increase, men and women respond very similarly." Gender-specific workouts are generally unnecessary, though younger individuals may see comparable progress.
Body Composition Differences
Women naturally maintain a higher fat-to-muscle ratio, which can be shifted with extreme diets and training. However, very low body fat in women may cause hormonal disruption and fertility issues. "It's possible to change ratios, but not always desirable for health," Breen adds.
In summary, women can build muscle effectively through resistance training, but body composition differences remain. The key is consistent training rather than gender-specific routines.
