Relations of strength training to body image among a sample of female university students.
College women enrolled in a strength training class were evaluated before and after the class using a combination of physical fitness measures, including weight, percentage of body fat, body circumference, and strength measures. Forty-nine subjects participated in strength training, twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. At the end of the class, participants were asked to respond to 9 open-ended questions dealing with perceptions of body image. Physical results of the study showed a mean weight gain of 1 lb, an average increase in body fat of 0.9%, and a 5-11 lb improvement in maximal lifting ability. In addition, most subjects reported that they felt healthier and more fit and had an improved body image and a better attitude about their physical selves after strength training. In this study, exercise using strength training improved strength and body image in women.
Ahmed
Christine
C
Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069, USA. cahmed@usd.edu
Hilton
Wanda
W
Pituch
Keenan
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011336:Probability; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*