Women in sports face many challenges due to a lack of research on their specific needs. Issues like nutrition strategies—should we focus on carb-loading or fatty acid loading?—and how to train during and after pregnancy are still not fully understood. The same goes for performance during menopause. Sadly, women are often underrepresented in studies about these topics.
A study called “Invisible Sportswomen” by Emma Cowley highlights that the gap in research affects not only participants but also those conducting the research. The World Economic Forum notes that increasing the number of women in STEM fields could help fill this gap, as more female researchers are likely to focus on women’s health.
There is hope, though. New training methods based on menstrual cycles are emerging. Understanding and tailoring training to different cycle phases can lead to better mental health, fewer injuries, and improved athletic performance. Issues like irregular cycles are vital in competitive sports too and need to be addressed.
According to Prof. Dr. Jana Strahler from the University of Freiburg, there are three important stages for women-specific training:
- Raising awareness and empowerment.
- Using data to adjust training during menstrual discomfort.
- Optimizing performance by leveraging hormonal changes throughout the cycle.
While progress is being made, it’s essential to remember that one size does not fit all. Each athlete is unique, and training needs should reflect that.
Check out this related article: How Repealing the EPA’s ‘Endangerment Finding’ Puts Our Health at Risk: What You Need to Know
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