While a woman could jump right into a man’s fitness routine and see some benefits, they may not be getting the benefits they would if they instead started a program especially designed for fitness for women.

In fact, it seems difficult for women to engage in fitness programs as well. According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, women are less likely than men to participate in fitness programs. It also reports that 60 percent of women do not get enough exercise and 25 percent do not get any at all.

A successful fitness for women program incorporates not just exercises, but the whole package:

• Nutrition: Women have changing nutritional needs based on their ages as well as depending on whether or not they are trying to conceive, pregnant, nursing or going through menopause. A fitness for women program should reflect these individual needs.
• Weight Training: It’s common for women to avoid programs that include weight training because they are afraid they will “bulk up” and want to avoid that look. It is important for them to find a fitness for women program that understands these concerns and helps them strength-train without the bulk. Women need fitness programs that include strength training for many reasons including that it is important for bone health.
• Aerobic Exercise: Most fitness for women programs include aerobic exercise. This is important. There are even fitness for women programs out there that are just for women for those who are not comfortable exercising with men.

Those who can find a fitness for women program experience many benefits:

• Young women who participate in fitness for women programs set the standard for the rest of their lives. Since they already have a basis for healthy living, exercise often comes more easily as they age.
• Middle aged women often complain of weight gain. This weight gain is likely a mixture of changing hormones, slowing metabolism and lifestyle changes. Those who find a fitness for women program that works for them, however, can often counteract most, if not all, of these negative effects
• Elderly women can also help preserve some of their youth through a fitness for women program. Strength naturally decreases as we age, so anything women can do to stop that decrease in strength will help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible.

Fitness for women is its own niche within the fitness industry. Women have special needs to meet their individual goals and that is where a great fitness for women program comes into play. Any woman looking for a fitness program should look for the whole package tailored to their age and needs.