BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS IN FEMALE FITNESS COMPETITORS AND RECREATIONISTS

Abstract

The fitness became very popular sport for women globally, whether they are involved in exercise as leisure activity or for competitive reasons.Body shape and suitable body composition is a primary goal for all participants in fitness programs, recreationists and competitors. The aim of this study isto compare the body composition characteristics of female fitness and bodybuilding recreationists and competitors. This study involved 39 adult women, aged 18 to 40, who were divided into four groups: women competitors (N= 9), recreational women (N=30), Body composition was analyzed with bioelectrical impedance analysis, InBody 720. The comparison of BIA obesity parameters showed that BMI was insignificantly different between competitors and recreationists, 22.5 vs 23.03 ( p=0.659). The fitness competitors showed higher volume of body fluids (ICW and ECW), higher protein and mineral components. Body fat mass (BFM) was statistically greater in recreationists comparing the competitors 18.58 kg vs 12.47 kg. Mean values of body fat percentage were also statistically higher in recreationists in comparison with the competitors, 27.25% vs 16.39%. Fitness competitorshad a significantly higher fat-free mass, i.e. muscle component, and significantlylower fat component. Recreational exercisers had significantly higher parameters of obesity (body fat mass, BF% and WHR) than fitness contestants.