Women >40: Backside or Beauty, Choose One!

A story in the Times of London claims that every woman eventually has to choose between maintaining a youthful face or a great body. Fashion editor Lisa Armstrong quotes actress Catherine Deneuve: "A 30-year-old woman must choose between her bottom and her face." Basically, the "theory" assumes that as a woman gets older, she can either maintain her face or her body, but not both.

Girls Can't Do Pullups

I've always wondered why, even the most fit, girls can't do pull-ups. Here's a funny little video that resulted from a debate I had on the subject.

Myths About Women and Heart Disease

I had the pleasure of meeting with Roxana Mehran, M.D., FSCAI yesterday, and she shared an alarming fact with me, "Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States."

Nearly twice as many women in the US die of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases as from all other forms of cancer combined, including breast cancer.

Since 1984 more women have died of heart disease each year than men.

There's a lack of awareness of what ideal cardiovascular health really is," says Ralph Sacco, president of the American Heart Association. While 35% of people surveyed say they're in good health, when quizzed about seven major health factors — diet, activity level, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar and smoking status — only about half of 1% hit all the targets for good health, he says. "People think they're healthier than they are," he says, making it less likely that they'll take steps to reduce their heart risks.

February is Heart Health Month. Visit the CDC to learn what both men and women can do to prevent heart disease.

How many pull-ups is a female Marine required to do?

The answer, starting next January: a minimum of three, the same number required of male Marines.

If anyone thought the military’s decision to allow women into combat units would lead to exceptions for women when it came to fitness and physical strength they were mistaken...

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Study: Women Exercise Less Than Men

A study by Oregon State University found women less likely than men to get the recommended amount of daily exercise. This makes women at greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a condition related to obesity.

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Pull-Ups: The Female Disadvantage

It all comes down to strength, low body fat and shorter stature for both men and women. But why do men still have the advantage? Well, lets break down the pull-up: using your arm and back muscles lifts your chin to the top of the bar and you slowly lower to reset for the next one. So how do you win a pull-up test? Common sense would tell you to work those muscle groups, and maybe some cardio to decrease body fat. WRONG! A study utilizing this approach in 17 women failed. Research shows the missing ingredient: TESTOSTERONE. Due to the fact that women naturally have lower levels of testosterone than men, no amount of training will ever compare to the men's results. Hence, women are not required to fulfill the marine recruiting pull-up test.

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