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Abstract
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Aim. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week circuit-strength training on body image and anxiety in untrained college students. Methods. Hence, forty male college students were divided into 2 groups: a strength training group (N.=20) and a control group (N.=20). Subjects in strength training group trained an 8-week, 3 days per week full body progressive circuit-strength training, whereas control subjects did not participate in any training activity. The anthropometrical, body composition, body image (Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire), anxiety (Spielberger state-trait Anxiety Inventory), and one repetition maximum in six exercises were measured before and after an eight-week training period. Results. The results showed that 8-week strength training elicited significant (P<0.05) increase in upper- and lower-body strength as measured by 1RM as well as legs’ and arms’ muscle hypertrophy. In addition, strength training group had a significantly greater improved increase in body image and reduced social physique anxiety then control group. Conclusion. This study provides support for the use of weight training to improve body image and anxiety, these may be derive from considerable physical changes results from resistance training such as significant increase in strength and muscle mass.
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