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THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CONDITION ON EXERCISE PERFORMANCE

Abstract

C. Hockman, H. Hutchison, C. Knierim, C.P. Katica

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA

Previous studies have shown that exercising with a companion increases intensity and duration during single exercises. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of a group workout versus an individual workout, and to determine which exercise setting elicits better performance. This study also aimed to investigate personality factors (self-perceived introverts/extroverts) and performance in a certain workout setting. METHODS: Twelve physically active participants (age 20.42±1.31 years) participated in an individual and group workout. Participants were equipped with heart rate monitors and accelerometers. Every participant used the Borg RPE scale, and had the same choice of dumbbell weights during the two workouts. During the individual workout, the participants followed a high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout video. The group workout was in-person and followed the same workout and certified fitness instructor as in the workoutvideo.Six of the participants completed the individual workout before they performed in a group workout and six of the participants worked out in the group workout before they completed the individual workout. After performing both trials the participants completed a survey about their personality and workout enjoyment. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the heart rate in the group workout was significantly higher at each time point than when working out alone (p=0.0002). The group workout also showed a significant increase in number of repetitions per exercise (p=0.012). However, the group workout did not show a significance difference in: calorie expenditure, RPE, and weights (p>0.05). The study had a greater proportion of self-perceived introverts (N=9) than self-perceived extroverts (N=3). Within the sample, there was an increased preference for the group style workout (N=6) compared to (N=3) who preferred the individual workout. Among the extrovert group, two participants preferred the group style workout and only one participant preferred the individual. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this study suggests that working out in a group setting versus working out individually significantly increases the heart rate and repetitions of exercises. Because of this individuals working in a group setting could experience a greater overall workout.

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