Abstract

EFFECTS OF ABDOMINAL EXERCISES AND AEROBICS ON WEIGHT REDUCTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Manjula S.*, MPT and P. Senthil Selvam, PHD

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity is an epidemic of the twenty first century and a major causative factor for any metabolic disorder. The impact of obesity has been considered in both under developed and developing countries. BMI of 30 or above has been described as a global pandemic with approximately 50% of adults expected to be obese by 2030, world-wide. The risk of many disease including cardio vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and certain types of cancer is considered to be high in association with the obesity. Aim and Objective: The main aim of the study is to assess the effect of abdominal exercises and aerobics to reduce waist circumference and weight among young adults. Method: An experimental study was conducted on 20 samples with the age group of18-25(mean age 21.65 ± 1.8). They were divided into two groups - control group and experimental group. The control group was trained to perform abdominals and the experimental group was trained to perform abdominals and aerobics for a period of six weeks, one hour per day for 5 days per week. The outcomes were measured by using Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio. Result: The study result showed more statistical significance improvement in reduction of waist circumference and weight among young adults of both Control group and experimental group. But however it is, there is statistically greater improvement in experimental group in which the subjects performed both abdominals and aerobics exercises. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is statistically greater improvement in experimental group in which the subjects are given abdominals and aerobics.

Keywords: Abdominal Exercise, Planks, Obesity, Aerobic Exercise, Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index, Waist-Hip Ratio.