The physiological response of instructors and participants to three aerobics regimens

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that there are regimen-specific differences in the thermal, metabolic, and cardiovascular responses of nonpregnant women when they perform their chosen type of aerobics at their usual performance level. Thirty-six instructors and 53 participants were studied while performing their chosen aerobics regimen under simulated field conditions using oxygen consumption as the index of exercise intensity. Under these conditions no significant differences were observed in the physiological response to low impact, high impact, or step regimens. However, although their ratings of perceived exertion were lower, the participants worked at a much higher exercise intensity than the instructors (76 +/- 1 vs 62 +/- 2% VO2max). As a result they attained a higher respiratory exchange ratio (0.96 vs 0.90), rectal temperature (38.62 vs 38.12 degrees C), and blood levels of glucose (5.70 vs 4.95 mmol.l-1), lactate (3.65 vs 1.60 mmol.l-1), and norepinephrine (2656 vs 1191 pg.ml-1). We conclude that both intensity and physiological response to aerobics are individual specific not regimen specific and that participants consistently underestimate their level of performance.