title: An evaluation of a college exercise leader program: using exercise science students as advocates for behavior modification.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a college's exercise leadership program, which was developed to help students, faculty and staff implement behavior changes necessary to begin and maintain a comprehensive exercise program.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2006-2011, a total 66 subjects were recruited and each was assigned to a student exercise leader. Based on comprehensive baseline assessments, each student designed an individualized exercise program for his/her subject. At program completion, the subjects were reassessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Paired t tests were used to find significant statistical changes (P < .05) among the fitness components. Significant changes as a function of the 6-week exercise program were observed in body weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, 1-mile walk time, sit-ups, push-ups, and trunk flexion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Getting started is the most difficult step, but beginning an exercise program has immediate benefits. Institutions of higher education are addressing issues of wellness as a means for increasing graduation, retention, and productivity rates among their campus constituents. These efforts are part of a collaborative effort initiated by the American College Health Association known as Healthy Campus 2020. The findings from this study have a direct impact on programmatic efforts.
authors.affiliation: College of Health Sciences, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.
authors.forename: Shelley Nicole
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Daniel R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Brian M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Burcin
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055105:Waist Circumference