The Efffects of 8-week Pilates Mat Exercises on the Body Compoition and Level of Satisfaction of Female College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of pilates exercises on the body composition and satisfaction level of female college students, and, to do so, pilates classes were provided for female college students for 8 weeks. Their level of satisfaction was surveyed and their body composition before and after participating in the classes was also measured. Out of a total of 40 subjects, those who did not diligently participate in the pilates classes were excluded, and the data of 22 subjects who continued to participate in the classes were analyzed only. The components of body composition measured before and after the 8-week pilates exercise program showed that body fat percentage and abdominal fat percentage were reduced, while lean body mass increased. The level of satisfaction of the group of those who performed pilates exercises for 8 weeks showed positive effects. It will be necessary to develop various systematic and science-based pilates exercise programs that are customized for different age groups in order to reduce the level of the components of body composition associated with obesity.