The Female Athlete

A special article for people who coach, train, and treat athletic women.

Do you understand the unique concerns of women who exercise? What would your female clients say? Your awareness may well determine your future with the growing market of female athletes.

Since the early 1970s, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of women exercising and seeking advice about proper training techniques.

Although many of your clients are women, how much do you really know about women's unique physiology, exercise and health concerns? Do you address these concerns with your women clients verbally and in your training formats? Are you able to answer women's questions - or, even better, anticipate them?

The more you know about and understand your female clients, the better equipped you will be to provide them with a satisfying exercise experience - and to ensure their long-term participation in your classes, sessions or programs.

Since women are different from men, knowing their specific needs and injury potential and being alert to early warning signs of problems will empower you to be their advocate and resource.

An End to the Myths

In the past, most of the attention and research on exercise has focused on the needs of active men. However, the differences between men and women mean that information relevant to male athletes may not always apply to females.

In some cases, women have been told that exercise is harmful to them. They have traditionally been discouraged from participating in exercise to the same degree as men.

For example, women were not "allowed" to run a marathon in Olympic competition until 1984 because of unfounded and unresearched concerns that they would collapse while running long-distance. The picture, of course, is changing. Today, whole areas of activity, especially dance and aerobics, are dominated by women.

Let's dispel some myths surrounding women and exercise.

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention