title: The effects of aerobic- versus strength-training on body image among young women with pre-existing body image concerns.
abstract: This experiment compared the effects of aerobic-training (AT) versus strength-training (ST) on body image among young women with pre-existing body image concerns. Theory-based correlates of body image change were also examined. Participants were 46 women (M age=21.5 years), randomly assigned to an 8-week AT or ST intervention consisting of supervised exercise 3 days/week. Multidimensional measures of body image were administered pre- and post-intervention, along with measures of physical fitness, perceived fitness, and exercise self-efficacy. Women in the AT condition reported greater reductions in social physique anxiety (p=.001) and tended to report greater improvements in appearance evaluation (p=.06) than women in the ST condition. Changes in perceived fatness, perceived aerobic endurance and aerobic self-efficacy were significantly correlated with body image change (ps<.003). Results provide direction for prescribing exercise to improve body image and advancing theory to account for the effects of exercise.
authors: McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1. Electronic address: martink@mcmaster.ca.
authors: Kathleen A
authors: KA
authors: Martin Ginis
authors: McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1.
authors: Heather A
authors: HA
authors: Strong
authors: Rutgers University, Department of Exercise Science & Sport Studies, Loree Gymnasium, 70 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525, USA.
authors: Shawn M
authors: SM
authors: Arent
authors: McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1.
authors: Steven R
authors: SR
authors: Bray
authors: McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1.
authors: Rebecca L
authors: RL
authors: Bassett-Gunter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010809:Physical Fitness; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Exercise and Self-Esteem Model; Fitness; Physical activity; Self-perceptions; Social physique anxiety