THE EFFECTS OF EIGHT-WEEK CIRCUIT TRAINING ON CERTAIN PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN WOMEN

Abstract

Exercise programs are prescribed for balanced physical fitness development and its maintenance. In accordance with increasing living tempo, the duration of exercises are decreased, creative programs are rendered more attractive. In this study, the effects of circuit training in women (n=62) aged 20-60 were examined. They followed an isokinetic circuit training program composed of nine exercises applied as 30s loading/30s resting for three sets, according to their speeds and capacities, resting 30-60s between sets, three days per week for eight weeks. The effect of this program on body mass index, body fat ratio and some anthropometric measurements were compared to those at the 4th and 8th weeks. Statistical analyses were used for recurring measurements, difference evaluations, effects of training and age. While significant differences occurred between the 4th and 8th weeks for body weight, waist, under-chest, hip, right and left thighs, right and left arms (p<0.01), chest and abdomen (p<0.05), differences in the evaluations of body fat and waist/hip ratios between the beginning and 8th weeks were found significant (p<0.05). When associated with age, changes that occurred between the beginning and 4th weeks were not significantly correlated. In contrast, when associated with training frequency, changes that occurred in the chest, abdomen, left thigh were found significant (p<0.05). In association with age, the only significant change between the beginning and 8th weeks concerned the abdomen (p<0.01). When associated with training frequency, changes that occurred in the body weight, waist, chest, hip, abdomen, right and left thighs, left calf and left arm were found significantly correlated (p<0.05). Changes that occurred at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks were not significantly different for regular trainers and non-regulars. In conclusion, positive changes were observed considering certain measurements in the 4th week and for all parameters in the 8th week. The aimed bodily changes do not occur in the short term, and regular physical exercise has beneficial effects on body measurements.