Training Factors and Physical Fitness among Aerobic Dance Instructors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among selected training factors for 35 aerobic dance instructors who had taught for at least one year. Descriptive data were collected via questionnaire and laboratory testing. Maximum aerobic power (VO₂ max) was determined from a treadmill test. The instructors taught an average of 5.6 classes per week, 4.2 days per week, for 3.9 yr. Mean total class duration was about 1 hr. with an average of 24.3 min. of actual aerobic activity. Mean level of intensity during the training phase of the workouts was 76% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Among the aerobic dance instructors, there were significant linear associations between intensity of training and Max VO₂ [ml/(kg·min.)], accounting for 27.7% shared variance. Duration of the aerobic phase of workouts showed a significant quadratic relationship with Max VO₂ accounting for 20.2% shared variance. Frequency of training was linearly related to Max VO₂, accounting for 21.7% shared variance. Results indicate that the significant predictor variables accounted for almost 55% of the variance of the criterion, Max VO₂ in combination.