Exercise Intensity as a Predictor of Mood States During a Group Cycling Class

Abstract

Increases in positive mood states after exercise has been well documented. Group cycling classes are a popular mode of exercise in the fitness industry. There is limited research on the effect of group fitness classes on mood states and whether intensity level will have an impact on the mood enhancing benefits. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if exercise intensity predicts changes in mood states during a group cycling class. METHODS: A total of 99 subjects, ages 18 to 25 years old, volunteered for the study. No previous experience with group cycling classes was required. The subjects participated in one group cycling class instructed by a certified cycling instructor. Prior to the cycling session the subjects filled out an informed consent, medical history, and Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES). Subjects were then given a heart rate monitor, instructed on proper bike set up and how to operate the bike during class. The cycling class consisted of a 5 min warm up, a 30 min conditioning phase with a mix of sprints, hills and jumps typically performed in a cycling class. The class ended with a 5 minute cool down and 5 minute stretch off the bike. Heart rate and percent heart rate reserve (%HRR) was continuously tracked during class. After the class, subjects filled out a second (post) SEES. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine whether intensity measured by %HRR predicted changes in each of the 3 mood state categories on the SEES (positive well-being, psychological distress, fatigue). Three related sample t-tests were run examining changes in mood following the cycling class. RESULTS: % HRR was negatively related to positive well-being (β = -.178, p = .046) and positively related to fatigue (β = .30, p = .003). There were no significant differences in fatigue after the cycling class (p > .05), however positive well-being increased (p = .001) and psychological distress decreased (p = .021) after the class. CONCLUSION: The intensity level of an acute exercise session may affect the mood enhancing benefits of exercise. The group cycling class did increase positive well-being and decrease psychological distress. However, individuals who exercised at higher intensity levels had increased levels of perceived fatigue and decreased feelings of positive well-being.