Energy expenditure during the group exercise course Bodypump in young healthy individuals

The purpose of the present study was to examine the energy expenditure during the group resistance training exercise course Bodypump in young healthy individuals.

The study population consisted of 40 men and women (age: 31.7±5.8 years, body mass index [BMI]: 24±2.6 kg/m2) that performed three 60-min sessions of the group resistance training exercise course Bodypump. Free living energy expenditure during the course was measured using the portable SenseWear armband. Perceived energy expenditure, perception of effort, fatigue and pleasure were also measured after the course.

Mean energy expenditure and intensity during the Bodypump course for all participants were 250.3±67.8 kcal or 4.2 kcal/min and 3.5±0.7 METS, respectively. Interestingly, perceived energy expenditure for all participants was significantly higher by ~67% compared to measured energy expenditure (394.1±116 vs. 250.3±67.8 kcal, respectively; P<0.05). Moreover, 85% of all individuals reported that the Bodypump course was highly enjoyable.

Energy expenditure during a 60-min Bodypump course appears to be approximately 250 kcal and seems to be performed at a moderate intensity (3.5 METS) in young healthy men and women. These results could have an impact on the amount of physical activity an individual performs as well as the preparation of physical activity programs by kinesiologists.