Abstract
This study is a continuation of a previous study assessing the physical health of first-year college students. With the obesity epidemic steadily on the rise in America, young adults are the most susceptible to weight gain as they embrace life’s new chapter. PURPOSE: FitU is a program implemented into the core class, Concepts of Wellness, at Ouachita Baptist University. This program was designed to combat the weight gain called the “freshman-15” while promoting healthier lifestyle choices through diet and exercise. METHODS: At the beginning and end of the semester, 196 students were given a basic fitness evaluation including the five components of physical fitness, and a survey was performed asking about key lifestyle choices. The tests used to measure physical fitness parameters were the YMCA Bench Step, 1RM leg press machine, and weight. Throughout the semester, students participated in an incentive-based physical activity track through an online app. In a study preceding this one, it was suggested that an easier tracking system should be used, so an app was developed for easier trackability. Each activity was awarded approximately one point per minute. The top-scoring individuals were randomly selected for prizes at the end of each week, and the top-scoring group was awarded a prize at the end of the semester. Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to assess the relationship between the pre and post-trial fitness assessments and between the pre and post-test survey reports. RESULTS: After the study, it was found that fitness performance significantly changed (Fdf = 3, 152)=, p df = 1, 154) = 18.226, pdf = 1, 154) = 32.209, pdf = 1, 154) = 13.72, p0.05). CONCLUSION: A student’s first year at university is a vulnerable time for health. With a program that encourages healthier lifestyle choices, weight gain can be kept to a minimum while also bringing forth positive outcomes in physical fitness and maintenance of healthy lifestyle choices such as participation in exercise, sleep, and consumption of sweets. In future studies, a control group of students who do not participate in the program would be ideal for comparison.
Recommended Citation
Sanford, Jasper; Chelette, Amber M.; and Perry, Amanda
(2024)
"Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles in College Freshmen Through the FitU Program,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
16, Article 83.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss16/83
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons