Self-evaluation of physical fitness and health:: gender and age effects.

This study was aimed at determining the respective significance of the four dimensions of fitness and health after self-evaluation. Six hundred subjects (males and females, age range: 20-65 years) regularly involved in a fitness program were included in the study. They were subdivided into six groups according to age and gender. Each subject completed a self-evaluation questionnaire adapted from Borg et al. (1972) and composed of six scales relating to endurance, strength, flexibility, body composition, fitness and health. Results showed specific effects of gender and age an the relative significance of the four dimensions of fitness. Exercises focusing on more salient dimensions of fitness are discussed in order to optimize psychological benefits of physical exercises. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.