The Effect of Eight Weeks of Pilates Exercises on Anthropometric Indices and Subjective Well-being in Obese Middle-aged Women

Exercise is one of the most effective means of enhancing subjective well-being, preventing obesity, and maintaining good health.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of eight weeks of Pilates training on anthropometric indices and subjective well-being in obese middle-aged women.

In this quasi-experimental study, 40 eligible obese middle-aged women of Khaf Fitness Plus Sports Club were voluntarily recruited and randomly assigned to Pilates and control groups. The Pilates group participated in eight weeks of Pilates exercises performed three times weekly. The subjective well-being survey and a checklist of anthropometric indices were completed for all individuals 24 hours before and 72 hours after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS-15 statistical software using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests. The significance level was set at p <0.05.

After the intervention, the experimental group had significantly lower mean weight, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio than the control group (p <0.05). The mean scores of emotional, psychological, and social well-being in the experimental group increased significantly after the intervention compared to baseline (p <0.01).

The results reveal that eight weeks of Pilates exercises significantly reduce anthropometric indices and increase subjective well-being dimensions (emotional, psychological, and social well-being) in obese middle-aged women.