Please note that the terms gender and sex are used within this text. These terms are not used interchangeably. Please refer to the following definitions from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2022).

Sex

“Sex is a multidimensional construct based on a cluster of anatomical and physiological traits that include external genitalia, secondary sex characteristics, gonads, chromosomes, and hormones (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022).”

Gender

“Gender is a multidimensional construct that links gender identity, which is a core element of a person’s individual identity; gender expression, which is how a person signals their gender to others through their behavior and appearance (such as hairstyle and clothing); and cultural expectations about social status, characteristics, and behavior that are associated with sex traits (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022).”

Throughout this text there are a few instances where you will be asked to compare your fitness results to standardized norms. These norms are broken down by the female sex and the male sex. While there are well-known physiological differences across the sexes that lend themselves to these norms, this is arguably an overly simplistic view. In reality, the physiological differences that influence fitness and performance differences between individuals of the male sex and female sex are more of a continuum than two distinctly separate groups. The hormones that influence these physiological differences vary within females and within males.

When looking at these norms, understand that this is not necessarily your gender but your sex that you are being asked to select. Additionally, suppose you are in a position where you are transitioning to a different sex, and you have begun hormone replacement therapy. In that case, it may make the most sense to use the sex category that you are transitioning to.

With the above noted, once again, the purpose of this textbook is for you to learn more about your own personal wellness and fitness. It is of the utmost importance to approach these standards in a way that you feel comfortable with.