Muscle

If you're a man participating in a weight training program, you will have a much easier time gaining muscle than a woman. Men have 30 times the testosterone level of women. Men and women can do the same exercises, with the exact same resistance to body weight ratio, and a man's muscle will grow to a much greater extent. This is good news if you're a woman concerned about getting bulky from weight training. Whether you're male or female, weight training can make you more fit, strong and toned.

Fat

Another area where men have the advantage is that they carry less body fat and lose it faster. According to the American Council on Exercise, even though obesity affects a higher percentage of men than women, when a man decides to get in shape he will get faster results. The larger amount of muscle a man carries gives him a higher metabolism, which results in calories burned and fat lost. The fact that muscle requires more energy is a good reason to start weight training if you're a woman. The added muscle will significantly increase your metabolism.

Endurance

Muscular endurance is where women have the advantage. According to Lewis G. Maharam of "Running Competitor," studies have shown that it is possible that women burn fatty acids more efficiently than men, which helps their muscles recover faster during exercise. Hormones come in to play as well. Women have more estrogen than men, which has a protective effect on the muscles to delay fatigue and soreness. It also acts as an antioxidant, which speeds up muscular recovery time.

Food

Studies have shown that men show a significant increase in recovery by eating a meal high in protein after exercise. But researchers are starting to realize that the same may not be true for women. The Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health found that women did not show the same recovery from protein as men did, but they did respond well to a high carbohydrate meal. This has something to do with the way certain foods interact with the hormone levels in your body. Educating yourself on the way your gender responds to exercise may give you a boost toward achieving your fitness goals.