21st Annual Student Research Conference
Difference in Fitness Benefits Between High-intensity and Low-intensity Group Fitness Classes
Sarah E. Grafelman* and Lauren M. Kremer
Dr. Alex J. Koch and Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentors
New fitness classes are popping up at gyms around the country daily and it can be hard for the average exerciser to distinguish the advantages/disadvantages amongst them. The purpose of our study was to explore differences in fitness benefits between a low-intensity Pilates class and a high-intensity traditional body sculpting class. Sixteen college-age female subjects attended 8 weeks of the class of their choice (Pilates subjects = 6, body sculpting subjects = 10) and were evaluated by a series of fitness tests. The fitness tests were given before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of participating in the program. The results showed that the Pilates participants improved more in flexibility while the body sculpting participants demonstrated greater improvements cardiovascular fitness. The results of this study can be used by trainers or fitness instructors in preparing fitness regimens for their patients based on that patient’s specific fitness goals.
Keywords: fitness, Pilates, body sculpting, exercise, health benefits, group fitness classes
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-18
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15