Men Have The Edge In Weight-loss Workouts

May 15, 1992|By K.C. Johnson.

Although the same metabolical and physiological processes occur when either gender exercises, women have to work out longer to lose weight.

``It`s the concept that the heavier the mass, the more calories you burn,`` said George Lesmes, Ph.D., of Northeastern Illinois University`s Center for Cardiovascular Research. ``Women, obviously, tend to weigh less than men, so they can expend the same amount of energy but not burn the same amount of calories.``

The difference is roughly 15 percent per hour, says Lesmes.

Before women fret, however, a report in a recent issue of The Journal of Applied Sport Science Research says either gender continues to burn calories up to one hour after exercise is completed.

The post-exercise calorie loss is minimal-roughly 10 to 20 calories-but present.

``It`s a bonus. I realize it`s not a huge difference, but if you exercise three or four times a week, it adds up,`` said Kris Berg, director of the exercise physiology laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, which performed the study.

Exercise intensity is more important than duration for maximum loss. Lesmes, though, said he feels the difference is almost negligible. ``It`s something you can point a finger at statistically,`` he said, ``but not something from an application standpoint that has much bearing.``

Lesmes stressed the best way to burn calories is through a regular exercise pattern-preferably running or walking. Those exercises force the individual to carry his/her body weight as opposed to swimming or bicycling.

``I`m a proponent that the best kind of exercise for fitness and weight control is brisk walking,`` said Lesmes. ``You don`t incur a lot of expense, you can get real positive benefit and you can monitor the exercise quite closely.``

Proper footwear is needed to achieve maximum benefit. Viviana Zimmerman, assistant buyer for Sportmart, suggests shoes designed for walking.

``The cushioning is more specific than, say, a cross-training shoe,``

Zimmerman said.