An evaluation of a college exercise leader program: using exercise science students as advocates for behavior
Shelley Nicole Armstrong1, Daniel R Henderson, Brian M Williams
1College of Health Sciences, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|December 25, 2013
Summary
Starting an exercise program offers immediate health benefits. A college leadership program successfully improved fitness components like body weight and endurance in participants over six weeks.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Health Promotion
- Higher Education Wellness
Background:
- Colleges are increasingly focusing on student, faculty, and staff wellness.
- Comprehensive exercise programs are key to promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Behavior change is essential for initiating and sustaining physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a college-based exercise leadership program.
- To assess the program's impact on participants' ability to adopt and maintain exercise habits.
Main Methods:
- 66 subjects participated between 2006-2011.
- Each subject was paired with a student exercise leader.
- Individualized exercise programs were designed based on baseline assessments.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in body weight and body fat percentage.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by 1-mile walk time, improved significantly.
- Muscular strength and endurance showed significant gains in sit-ups and push-ups.
Conclusions:
- Initiating an exercise program yields prompt benefits.
- Higher education institutions can leverage wellness initiatives to boost student and staff success.
- Findings support programmatic efforts in campus health and wellness, aligning with initiatives like Healthy Campus 2020.
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