Different Age Term Women in Sport: Anthropological Differences by Sex

Abstract

Abstract:  In informal circles there can still be found division of sport according to criterion of sex, therefore we have so called "male" and "female" sports. Reasons for this division can be found in different places but it seems that gender (in) equality, which was particularly pronounced in the past, is the foundation of this understanding of sports. Tradition observes sport as "male" activity in which certain anthropological dimensions, such as body constitution or muscle strength determine success, dominantly, where participation of women in such activities becomes pointless, unnecessary and irrelevant, because they have "weaker body constitution". This approach and understanding of sport lead to the opinion that historically speaking, women in all aspect of social development didn't have equal rights in doing physical activities and sport, in general, although their needs for movement were and still are on the same level as men's. The goal was to use a descriptive method to analyze and define certain gender differences in the area of anthropological dimensions (morphology, cardiovascular system, functional abilities, body composition, somatic changes during life, ...) on the basis of which certain recommendations were given for physical activity and the training process of women. Playing sports and physical exercise are important for women's health, physical fitness and physical appearance and improve their quality of life. It can be concluded that physical activity has an extremely good and positive effect on the psychophysical state of the female organism and numerous health benefits compared to women who lead a sedentary lifestyle.