Six Months Of Objectively Measured Group Exercise Supports Adults Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines

Abstract

PURPOSE: Physical inactivity is associated with a myriad of negative health outcomes and thus continues to be a public health concern. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights a need for novel health intervention strategies that improve moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity and resistance training levels. Group exercise is one built environment strategy that should be better leveraged to improve physical activity levels. METHODS: Study participants self-selected to engage in a commercially-available group exercise program. Workouts ranged from 45-90 minutes and included interval training on treadmills, rowers, and total body resistance training. All participants attended at least two classes weekly for 28 consecutive weeks, while wearing heart rate monitors (HRMs) to objectively assess intensity. RESULTS: Participants (n = 295; mean age: 39 ± 11 years; 72% female) attended an average of 4.5 ± 0.9 group exercise sessions per week for 28 weeks. Data from HRMs indicate that participants spent an average of 50 ± 5 minutes in vigorous intensity activity (defined as heart rate > 60% max; VPA) across all classes, with an average working HR of 139 + 10 beats per minute, equating to an average weekly VPA dose of 221 + 46 minutes (range: 134-398 minutes). Age was associated with VPA (r = 0.166, p = 0.04). No significant differences in workout attendance or time spent in VPA were observed between sexes (p = 0.29, p = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This group exercise program provided a sustainable solution for adults to exceed VPA guidelines over a 6-month period. The availability of group exercise facilities in many communities facilitates access to long-term coaching, accountability, equipment, and a safe environment that should be used to improve public health. Future studies that include a control group, as well as pre-and post- data comparisons on key health and performance outcomes of interest, are warranted.