Circuit exercise combined with stages of change theory on body composition, exercise behavior and quality of life in working women

Abstract

Introduction: The problem encountered when entering working-age women is low physical activity, resulting in being overweight. Objective: This study aimed to examine and compare the effectiveness of a circuit exercise program combined with the stages of change theory on body composition, exercise behavior, and quality of life among overweight working-age women. Methodology: Twenty-nine overweight working-age women were divided into 2 groups: 1) circuit exercise program combined with the stages of change theory (EXP; n = 15), and 2) control group (CON; n = 14). The research instruments included a body composition test, an exercise behavior questionnaire, and a quality of life questionnaire, which were measured pre-test, post-test (Week 12), and following a 24-week training period. Results: The body composition changes when comparing pre-test and post-test; the EXP group’s body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and visceral fat mass were significantly different from those of the CON group (p