Can Women Train Like Men? Q&A with Megan Jendrick

Written by Shoshana Pritzker Tuesday, 18 May 2010 19:33

Megan,

My wife just started working out and she wants to work out with me (meaning do what I do), because she doesn't like us going our separate ways in the gym.

I workout 4 times a week and hit different body parts.  So she has started doing the same thing.  Is this a good routine for a woman?

Also I drink a pre and postwork out shake.  My wife can't stand protein shakes.  Any suggestions?

Greg



A

Greg,

Thanks for writing! My apologies to everyone for the delay in getting a new column up. During some national team training a few weeks ago I had a mishap and broke my leg and have been focusing on recovering from that. I’m doing a bit better now though and am back on track (at least for my column!).

As for your questions, I think hitting all of your muscle groups once a week is ideal, and spreading it out over four days is perfect (it’s actually the same split I follow for weights). Whether you’re male or female, this is a great routine because you make your gains in lean mass while you’re recovering, not while in the gym. If you work a muscle group too often your body won’t be able to repair and you won’t see the results you want.

When it comes to protein supplements, lots of people just can’t stand them! I know that I have tried some that just tasted absolutely awful and can completely understand the aversion your wife might have. It does get pretty discouraging trying to find one you can live with when they all say, “Delicious Chocolate!” or “Great Flavor!” and you feel like you just keep getting lied to. That said, a great replacement for wife would be a yogurt drink such as Yoplait’s “Nouriche.” These types of drinks have carbohydrates and protein to kick start your post-workout recovery as well as healthy fiber and other vitamins and minerals. And the best part is, they taste great!

Megan

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