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Are Women's Bodies Stronger Than Men's?

Published in Sex Differences in Strength 2 mins read

Generally, no, women's bodies are not stronger than men's in terms of overall muscle mass and vital capacity.

Several factors contribute to differences in physical strength between men and women. One significant factor is muscle mass.

  • Muscle Mass: According to research, males generally have higher levels of muscle mass compared to females [45, 46]. This increased muscle mass often translates to greater strength capabilities.
  • Vital Capacity: Males typically exhibit a higher vital capacity than females [47]. Vital capacity refers to the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation, influencing endurance capabilities.

The differences in muscle mass and vital capacity often give men an advantage in sports and activities requiring strength and endurance. This is also supported by normative values reported in several other studies [48][49][50].

Feature Males Females
Muscle Mass Generally Higher Generally Lower
Vital Capacity Generally Higher Generally Lower

Therefore, while individual strength varies greatly among both men and women, and women often exhibit greater endurance in certain contexts, men typically possess a strength advantage overall due to physiological differences in muscle mass and vital capacity.

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