Impact of different modes of exercise in fitness levels and body composition in wellness exercise population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Body composition and VO2peak are the most used indicators of health and wellness in individuals. Further, they are key variables studied during exercise program interventions in both general and clinic population. However, it remains unclear how these variables are affected when people exercise in their own or under a soft supervision in sports facilities and leisure centres. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between body composition and VO2peak with the free-chosen exercise performed by low-active individuals METHODS: A total of 201 participants (133 men, age 36.7 ± 9.6 yo; 68 women, age 36.7 ± 11.8 yo) were classified according to their chose in four different exercise conditions: weight training (WT), workout classes (WC), running (RN), recreational sport (RS) or sedentary behaviour (not meeting PA guidelines; SED). Body composition, VO2peak and lower body strength were assessed. RESULTS: In men, % of fat mass was significantly lower in RG than in SED (p=0.001) and WT (p= 0.001). In women, % of fat mass was significantly lower in RT than in SED (p=0.004). VO2peak in men was significantly lower in SED than SF (p=0.031), WC (p=0.002), RN (p=0.000) and RS (p=0.033) and it was significantly higher in RG than in WT (p=0.001), WC (p=0.008) RN (p=0.017). In women VO2max was significantly lower in SG than WT (p=0.003), GE (p=0.015), RT (p=0.001) and it was significantly higher in RN than in WT (p=0.007), WC (0.000) and RS (p=0.003). Lower body strength in men and women was significantly lower in SED than WT (p=0.013for men; p=0.001 for women), WC (p=0.000; p=0.003) and RS (p=0.004; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: People who engaged in exercise showed better fitness level and body composition compared to sedentary individuals regardless of the type of exercise performed. However, people who engaged exercise through recreational sports have similar body composition and fitness than sedentary counterparts. Thus, it seems that supervised exercise, even in a mild way, results in better fitness than unsupervised exercise.