Lean Mass Gain with Resistance Training Is Independent of Gender
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abstract
Many people assume that resistance training has different effects on males and females with regard to muscle mass gain. The difference in serum testosterone is often cited as an explanation. However, studies examining relative muscle gain with resistance training have not been well established. The purpose of this study is to examine the relative muscle mass gain with resistance training between men and women. We examined lean mass gain in 201 men and women in three different studies. Subjects in these studies performed a standard progressive resistance training program for 10 or 12 weeks. Lean mass was measured before and after training. Both men and women in these 3 studies showed significant increases in muscle mass after resistance training. In the 1830 year old, 10 week study, men gained 2.90.4% (N=74) while women gained 2.60.5% (N=43, P=0.72). In the 6069 year old, 12 week study, men gained 1.90.6% (N=18) while women gained 1.90.5% (N=31, P=0.95). In the 5069 year old, 12 week study, men gained 3.60.8% (N=14) while women gained 4.00.6% (N=21, P=0.74). Across all studies percent change of lean mass did not show a significant difference between genders. These results suggest that lean mass gain with resistance training is more dependent of starting lean mass than gender.
