Effects of a short‐term group fitness intervention on body composition and exercise motivation in college students

• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.lb340
• Publication Date: 2021-06-15T17:43:40Z
• Authors: Megan Hamre; Nobuko Hongu; Vinson R. Lee; Gale S. Welter; Joshua Nicholas Farr; Scott B. Going
• Keywords: Aerobic Exercise; Sedentary lifestyle

The purpose of this study was to test the impact a short‐term group fitness intervention on body weight, percent fat, and attitude toward physical activity in college students. Twenty sedentary students (mean age 20.4±1.4 yr) were classified as healthy or overweight (BMI >25 kg/m 2 ) and, then randomized into exercise control groups. participated four aerobic classes per week for 4 weeks, while subjects remained sedentary. Percent fat measured by BodPod via questionnaire at baseline end study. Using univariate analysis variance, we found significant differences change between healthy‐control overweight‐control groups (−1.1 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 0.9%, P=0.034) healthy‐exercise (−2.2 1.0 P=0.010). These findings support notion that even young age, individuals are more susceptible weight gain may need increased amounts encouragement addition restricted diets produce loss. motivation questions, 80% participants reported provided continue exercise. Supported University Arizona Honors College Marshall Foundation.