The effect of pilates training on selective physiological and physical fitness in untrained females with overweight

The Pilates is one of the new training methods that seem to be effective in reducing weight, risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Pilates training on selective physiological and physical fitness in untrained overweight females. 30 female non - athlete overweight students with body mean mass index of 26/25 ± 1/84Kg/m2, volunteered in this study and were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The experimental group performed Pilates training 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks, each session lasting one hour. Control group did not do any special exercise. body weight, body mass index, fat percent (sum–of-four-skin folds: triceps, supriliac, abdominal, thigh), fat body mass, lean body mass, waist circumference, aerobic power, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in resting time, excellent hand power, abdominal muscular endurance, and flexibility (sit-and-reach and shoulder-reach) were assessed before initiation and after termination of the intervention program. To measure differences between experimental and control groups regarding these variables, one-way analysis of covariance and dependent t-test were conducted at the P level of 0.05. Study Results showed that, fat percent, fat body mass and waist circumference significantly decreased in the experimental group at the end of exercising period (P < 0/05). Moreover, aerobic power, abdominal muscular endurance, flexibility (sit-and-reach and shoulder-reach) and excellent hand power significantly increased in the experimental group as compared to the control group (P < 0/05). There is no significant difference between experimental and control groups in total body weight, body mass index, lean body mass and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P > 0/05). The result of present study proved that Pilates exercise over an 8-week period with 3 one-hour sessions per week can decrease fat percent, fat body mass and waist circumference and improve such variables as flexibility, hand power, abdominal muscular endurance and aerobic power.