Anthropometric and Densitometric Responses of Women to Specific and General Exercise

The viability of the “spot reduction” hypothesis was evaluated by investigating the anthropometric and densitometric effects of two types of exercise programs in a 10-week study using 56 college women. The 27 women assigned to the localized exercise regimen performed calisthenic-type activities concentrated on the abdomen, hips, and thighs while the generalized exercise group (n = 29) participated in a variety of typical aerobic activities. Exercise sessions for both groups were conducted 3 days per week for 30 minutes. The intensity of exercise was equated on the basis of exercise pulse rates. A total of 12 skinfold, girth, densitometric, and derived variables were assessed before and after the experimental period. Application of multivariate and univariate ANOV As revealed significant pre- to posttest changes; however, there was not a significant difference between groups. Therefore, the results indicate that although either general aerobic or localized exercises are effective in altering the anthropometric and densitometric characteristics of females, neither exercise regimen was shown to be more effective.