The effect of eight-week cyclic exercises and Pilates exercises in women to some physical parameters and blood lipids

This research is conducted to examine the impact of Pilates and circuit exercise to some physical features and blood-fat. 22 women, ages ranging from 22 to 55 years, voluntarily participated into the study. The participants were requested to do 30 minutes long Pilates and circuit exercise three days per week for 8 weeks. Physical measurements and blood-value were taken in the beginning of the research and in the end of 8th week. For this purpose, body weight, body-mass index, fat-rate, chest, waistline, belly, hip size, heart rate, blood pressure, flexibility, flamingo balance test, and Harvard step test measurement of participants were made. HDL and LDL levels of the participants were determined by using the blood testing device in laboratory. Mann Whitney U test was applied in the comparison of the before and after results of exercise program. Body weight, resting pulse, BMI, chest, abdomen, hip and basal circumference, a significant decrease in the values and a significant increase in the flexibility values, body weight, chest, waist, abdomen, hip circumference, and the value of balance test, a significant decrease was found and the flexibility values significantly increased of cyclic exercise group. As a result, both exercise programs had a similar effect on some selected parameters on sedentary women.