Dr Stacy Sims's female-specific exercise advice sparks debate
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 7
Dr Stacy Sims's female-specific exercise advice sparks debate
8 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 7
The dispute centres on her claim that women over 40 should prioritise heavy lifting and polarised cardio, rather than moderate-intensity exercise, because perimenopause changes training needs.
Critics including coaches Laurel Beversdorf, Sarah Court and Elizabeth Davies say evidence is insufficient, warning the message may overcomplicate fitness and wrongly deter women from cardio with proven health benefits.
The row unfolds amid documented under-representation of women in sports science, while UK guidance still recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly plus two strength sessions for adults.
Is moderate cardio truly harming women over 40, or is the advice to abandon it a far greater risk?
Is the 'women are not small men' movement a scientific breakthrough or a way to overcomplicate fitness for commercial gain?