The influence of fitness on the health of women aged 20

WELLNESS AND AGE
CHAPTER III
1
AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Geology,
Geophysics and Environment Protection,
Department of General Geology and Geotourism, Kraków, Poland
AGH Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza,
Katedra Geologii Ogólnej i Geoturystyki w Krakowie
2
Academy of Physical Education nam. Jerzego Kukuczki in Katowice
Cathedral Individual Sports
Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. Jerzego Kukuczki w Katowicach
Katedra Sportów Indywidualnych
3
Academy of Physical Education in Krakow, Doctoral Studies
Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego w Krakowie, Studia Doktoranckie
HENRYK DUDA1, ALICJA STACHURA2, ŁUCJA PŁATEK2,
PAWEŁ RÓŻYCKI1, PAWEŁ KUBIENIEC3,
MAGDALENA JASTRZĘBSKA3
The influence of fitness on the health
of women aged 20-50 years
Wpływ zajęć fitness na zdrowie kobiet w wieku 20-50 lat
Key words: fitness, recreational training, health, nutrition, leisure time
Słowa kluczowe: fitness, trening rekreacyjny, zdrowie, odżywianie, czas wolny
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, you can see the growing interest in the improvement of the level of
physical fitness. The desire to improve health through physical activity, it is becoming more common and fashionable in many countries. Analyzing the literature you can see many positive aspects of such an attitude. These include, among others:
a positive effect on the mood, improve self-esteem or to succeed in self-realization.
In addition, regular physical activity shapes the character from an early age, you can
make new acquaintances with people with similar interests, and also extends passions [25, 26].
WELLNESS AND AGE
Physical activity (training recreational) is essential to man at any stage of its life
and independently of age. Significance of movement changes with age, it remains
one the main health determinants. Physical activity is also an important determinant
of physical fitness [11]. We can conclude that physical fitness is to some extent an
objective indicator of physical activity - undertaken in the framework of leisure all
kinds of fun, exercise and sports. In the largely physical activity is done for pleasure,
recreation and health, improve exercise capacity, acquiring special skills and physical abilities, prevention of diseases of civilization (to improve cardiovascular fitness,
motor, respiratory, counteract stress mental), increased beneficial effects on the
ability to physical and mental work [2].
Physical activity has a profound effect on the human body. This leads to improved health and physical fitness, as well as general health and complacency with
each other. Systematically practicing physical activity prevents many diseases and
disorders, and helps in their treatment.
Regular exercise can cause a slower aging process, resulting in people regularly
practicing physical activity longer retain a youthful appearance, slim figure and
vitality. In addition, increased physical activity improves our emotional state. Has a
beneficial effect on the psyche, because exercise is the best way to combat mental
fatigue. It reduces stress, and by overcoming their own weaknesses, increases our
sense of values. Improves concentration, self-confidence, you will see a better quality of sleep and no problems sleeping. People who engage in physical activity in a
systematic manner less likely to resort to various stimulants such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and others. Physical activity is also an escape from everyday problems,
allows you to forget about everyday stress. People who play sports regularly feel
better, as evidenced by the improvement in mood (physical exercises are activated
endorphins in the body). It was also observed beneficial effects of physical exercise
on the mentally ill and the mentally disabled. In addition, patients who regularly
practice physical activity increases the body's resistance. They are usually healthier
much less likely to get sick than those who are physically inactive [3,4,6,7,8,16,17].
Nowadays, there are many possibilities of leisure time activities by various forms of
physical activity. One fitness is often preferred by women of various age groups.
The main aim of the study was to assess the physical activity of women aged 20
to 50 years engaged in fitness.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are main motives making physical activity?
2. Do you regularly attendance at fitness classes has a positive effect on physical
fitness and women's health?
3. Can a healthy and balanced diet has a beneficial effect on the body of women
engaged in physical recreation?
4. What are the most common barriers that prevent the practice of regular physical
activity?
36
Henryk Duda, Alicja Stachura, Łucja Płatek, Paweł Różycki,
Paweł Kubieniec, Magdalena Jastrzębska
The influence of fitness on the health of women aged 20-50 years
5. Do regular exercise improves the well-being of women?
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In the work - as a fundamental research method adopted diagnostic survey, using
a research tool which was the questionnaire. It was constructed by the authors according to the concept Duda et al. [8]. In the construction of the survey takes into
account the applicable standards, rules and guidelines recommended when constructing this type of research tool for Stupnicki [24]. Research questionnaire was sent to
the women who attend fitness of 45 women aged 21-55 years living in the Silesia
province.
The questionnaire consists of 20 closed questions.
Questions centered around the areas of:
 Free time and the manner of its use,
 Preferred physical activity,
 Restrictions that prevent physical activity,
 Education, professional work, place of residence, children,
 Time spent on activities.
The research group was divided into three age groups: 20-29 (younger - M), 3039 (average age - Ś), 40 or more years (older - N). Designated groups were primary
criterion in analyzing the research.
The collected data obtained during the survey have been arranged thematically,
segregated and subjected to statistical analysis and descriptive. Basis for the development research material was to determine the frequency of the answers expressed
by numerical values and percentages. Calculations were performed using Microsoft
Office Excel 2010.
RESULTS OF STUDIES
The analysis of the material revealed that only 8% of the oldest group surveyed
had a vocational education. Others have studied secondary education (group M 9%, other groups of 8%), higher education - bachelor had 24% of people (group N),
higher education had 92% of respondents in the oldest group and 84% of women,
while in the youngest group 67%. Studies have shown that women are the youngest
(M) did not have children, while in the group reported an average 75% of women
and in the oldest group 84%. The results showed that the women who did not have
children in the group average was 25%, while the lowest percentage - 16% of women had no children was the oldest group. Most were working women, none of them
were retired or pensioner. In the group average and 100% of the youngest respondents worked professionally, and at the age of the oldest only 84%. It was also noted
that among the youngest respondents as much as 43% were women learning, and in
the oldest group 16% were unemployed.
According to the study the highest percentage of respondents lived in rural areas
- 42% (group of the oldest), then the group average - 17% and the youngest only
37
WELLNESS AND AGE
9%. The highest percentage of women in the youngest group - 91% lived in the city,
83% of women with a group of middle and 58% of women with the oldest group.
Analysis of the results showed that among respondents longest, more than a year,
the fitness classes were women from the ages: the youngest - 38%, average - 42%,
and the oldest - 8%. Smaller advancement, because participation in fitness classes
ranged from one month to four women were reported in the groups: middle and the
oldest - 42%.
Most of the respondents attended the fitness classes several times a week, including the youngest women, the largest group - 76%, and other groups, ie. Women
middle-aged and older after 76%.
Fitness classes surveyed women in the youngest group allocate from 2 to 5 hours
per week, while women in middle and old age from 1 to 3 hours per week.
Analysis of the material has allowed, said that that the main objective in deciding
to participate in fitness classes for all respondents was a decrease in weight. Besides
weight loss youngest women participated in activities to improve their fitness - 38%,
and increase muscle tissue - 43%. Women in middle age and older wanted to improve the health status - 50% and 42% physical.
Analysis of the satisfaction of participants with the effects of exercise, revealed
that the majority of respondents were satisfied with the results of the exercise. The
best results are achieved:
 young women - 62%
 middle-aged women 42%
 8% of older women.
In 95% of young women felt positive effects on health and the body through participation in fitness classes. To a lesser extent, the positive effects felt middle-aged
women - 83%, and older women - 58%.
Knowingly participation in fitness classes had a positive effect on satisfaction
with each other in everyday life and to improve the mood:
 women in the youngest group - 100%
 females in the medium - 100%
 Women in the older group - 75%.
Analysis of the positive impact of physical activity revealed that it affects the
growth of energy and improving health (in particular age groups):
 in young women - 95% - increase in energy and 48% - to improve health,
 in middle-aged women - 67% increase in energy, 50% - to improve health,
 older women at 50% - an increase in energy and 17% - to improve health.
In addition, also they affect improve the health:
 women in the youngest age - 48%
 in middle-aged women - 50%
 women in the oldest age - 17%.
Analysis of free time of respondents indicated that the dominant form was rest to
active. Which constituted 86% in the youngest 67% in the average 83% in the
oldest. Among the most widely cultivated forms of recreation respondents could
choose up to 3 answers. In the youngest age group, the majority of respondents 38
Henryk Duda, Alicja Stachura, Łucja Płatek, Paweł Różycki,
Paweł Kubieniec, Magdalena Jastrzębska
The influence of fitness on the health of women aged 20-50 years
57% preferred a gym, fitness and bicycle - 52%, while walking or jogging only 42%
of women. In the middle age group, 75% of respondents chose the bike, 50% - walking or jogging, and 38% - gyms / fitness. In the oldest age group of respondents 58% chose a bike, walk / jog - 50%, and nordic walking - 42%.
Revealed a difference in the choice of forms of recreation in the various age groups. Young women chose a more intense form of recreation - gym, fitness, middle
aged woman preferred to walk / jogging, while older women bike or nordic walking
that is the least intensive form of recreation.
Analysis of the results showed that the main reasons for physical activity among
women surveyed were in first place in the youngest group and the oldest own needs
and interests (62%, 50%), while in the group mean it was to improve the well-being
(33%), and at the same marked the end of a woman doctor's recommendation (table
1). This motive undertake physical activity in a group marked an average 17% and
8% of the oldest. A high percentage of women worked as physical activity due to
improved well-being and care of their own body
Tab. 1. Motives for physical activity
Group M
own needs and interests
(62%)
improving the well-being
(28%)
taking care of own body
(10%)
Group Ś
improving the well-being
(33%)
own needs and interests of
25%
medical advice, as well as
care for his own body (17%)
Group N
own needs and interests
(50%)
improving the well-being
(42%)
medical advice (8%)
Analysis of self-assessment of physical fitness shown (table 2) that the older
women including physical fitness decreased. All of the interviewed women regardless of age accepted the good influence of physical activity on health, mood,
silhouette, relaxation and physical fitness.
Table 2. Self-assessment of physical fitness
Group M
Group Ś
Group N
very good (43%)
normal (58%)
normal (42%)
normal (24%)
not the greatest 25%
not the greatest 33%
The women would like to spend more time off for recreation. The results were as
follows:
 90% - of women in the youngest age group,
 92% - of women in the age group the average,
 67% - of women in the oldest age group.
The main barrier to making regular physical activity in women - is the lack of
time. Complained about the lack of time until 86% of women in the youngest group,
92% of respondents in middle age, 83% of women in old age. For 100% of the
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WELLNESS AND AGE
women in the youngest group and the average, physical exercises are very important, while only 75% of women with the oldest group.
Analysis of a healthy lifestyle and what it means for the respondents, allowed to
conclude that proper nutrition is the most important (regardless of age). In second
place physical activity, on the third no addictions, followed by personal hygiene and
regular medical supervision.
DISCUSSION
Regular exercise and physical activity, improve the performance of the body of
women attending the training fitness. The dominant motif of physical activity for
women was to improve the well-being and mood, its own interests and needs, and
taking care of his own body.
Most of the women surveyed said that regular exercise have a positive impact on
well-being, as well as significantly increase their self-esteem and increase energy
and vitality in everyday life or in their professional work. The analysis of the research has allowed to observe that the improvement in mood and self-esteem affects
women regardless of their age. Women who attend regularly for fitness felt the a
definite improvement in the functioning of the whole body and improving metabolism. The analysis of the study shows that most of young respondents preferred the
activities. They chose physical activity of high intensity - such as jogging or swimming. Based on the research we could also note that the majority of young women
liked to spend time actively, while among older women and middle-aged commitment during leisure time was significantly reduced due to domestic and family responsibilities.
Also, based on these studies, we can conclude that physical activity carried out in
the form of fitness is of great importance in the lives of women, not only in the physical but also mental. Women attach great importance to this how physical activity
affects their well-being, health and fitness. This means that often slim figure represents only a positive side effect.
The test results coincide with the results of other authors examining similar issues [1, 8, 12, 20]. The impact aerobic exercise improves fitness and stamina of women as well as being. Pańczyk states that health motives for physical activity gradually begin to lose importance in favor of taking care of appearance and aesthetics of
the body [20].
Similar results were obtained in jobs where women surveyed believe that losing
weight is a positive effect of exercise, but above all, count their own interests and
hobbies as well as their aesthetic appearance.
Alejziak [1], showed as in studies that the impact of fitness on the body of women living in Tarnowskie Góry, is positive. Most of the respondents wanted to improve their figure and their own self-esteem, relieve stress and in everyday life,
while also improving their physical fitness and overall health. Similar findings were
obtained in the work of other researchers [11].
Physical activity is preferably linked to the welfare of mentally positive effect on
raising the level of of life satisfaction [5, 8, 19]. It is furthermore an important ele40
Henryk Duda, Alicja Stachura, Łucja Płatek, Paweł Różycki,
Paweł Kubieniec, Magdalena Jastrzębska
The influence of fitness on the health of women aged 20-50 years
ment of a healthy lifestyle, allowing for the preservation and regeneration of physical strength, to achieve the state of psychological comfort, which is about achieving
prospective health purposes [8, 9]. Research conducted by Alejziak [1] showed also
that women at a young age showed much greater interest in physical activity, it was
due to the higher level of fitness women at a young age as well as the disposition of
free time. Similar findings were obtained in our research.
Żychowska and others [28, 29] carrying out research in a group of students found that regular aerobic exercise improved physical fitness of the organism studied
participants.
Themes participation of women are often very similar, focused on taking care of
your own body and health, weight loss. Motives participation of women are often
very similar, focused on taking care of your own body and health, weight loss. In
studies Wasilewicz and others [25] The most common reason given by respondents
physical activity is a desire to improve the health of 61%, a desire to get a better
look of 41% and counteracting the effects of aging to 39%.
You can noted that fitness is the well-being and positive affects on the body of
women. On the basis of our research and the research of other authors [8, 12, 13, 14,
20, 21], we can say that fitness is a very attractive form of physical activity is increasingly selectable by women.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The main motives in making physical activity by women were taking care of
their figure, improve mood and well-being, the desire to break away from the
daily duties, as well as their own interests and hobbies.
2. Regular exercise and fitness classes significantly improves physical fitness and
physical fitness.
3. Regular participation in fitness classes has a positive effect on the psyche and
well-being and self-esteem of women.
4. There has been an improvement in the functioning of the whole organism, and
the loss of excess weight.
5. The greatest benefits to the health of physical activity undertaken noticed women
aged 30-39 years.
6. Women at a young age and often willing to take physical activity of high intensity.
7. Age of women have an impact on the type and intensity of the preferred physical
activity.
8. The main barrier to making physical activity in women was the lack of free time.
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WELLNESS AND AGE
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Paweł Kubieniec, Magdalena Jastrzębska
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ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical activity on the body
of women aged 20 to 50 years. The study was included in a group of women, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years, living in the Silesia province. The participation in the
study was voluntary and anonymous. The study used diagnostic survey method tested 45 women. The analysis of the study revealed that physical activity and fitness activities play an important accent in the lives of women. The general conclusions can be noted that physical activity according to the respondents significantly
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WELLNESS AND AGE
improved mood, silhouette, the overall condition of the body, and health. The biggest barrier to making activity by women was primarily a lack of time.
STRESZCZENIE
Celem pracy była ocena wpływu aktywności fizycznej na organizm kobiet w
wieku 20 do 50 lat. Badaniami została objęta grupa kobiet, w wieku od 20 do 50 lat,
mieszkających na terenie województwa śląskiego. Uczestnictwo w nich było dobrowolne a charakter anonimowy. Do badań wykorzystano metodę sondażu diagnostycznego - przebadano 45 kobiet. Analiza przeprowadzonych badań, pozwoliła
stwierdzić, że aktywność ruchowa oraz zajęcia fitness odgrywały ważną rolę w
życiu kobiet. W ogólnych wnioskach można zauważyć, że aktywność ruchowa według ankietowanych poprawiała znacznie samopoczucie, sylwetkę, ogólną kondycję
organizmu, a także stan zdrowia. Największą barierą w podejmowaniu aktywności
przez kobiety był przede wszystkim brak czasu.
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