Effects of fitness training and yoga on well-being stress, social competence and body image

Objectives: Aims of our study were to describe and compare influences from a physical activity program and a yoga program on well-being, mood, stress-coping, body-image and social competence in healthy people. Methods:18 persons attending a gym and 21 taking part in a yoga program answered following questionnaires before entering the program and after taking part for 20 units: Body-Image-Questionnaire (25), Symptom-Checklist- 90R (8), Complaint-List (31), Adjective Mood-Scale (32) and a Visual Analogue Scale for assessing stress-level (10). Results: Statistical analyses show significant improvement in social competence in both training groups; the gym-group report reduced sexual discomfort, whereas people taking part in yoga-group show a reduction in somatization and body-related anxiety as well as an improvement in physical and emotional well-being. Conclusion: Our findings support the evidence that physical activity in general improves psychological well-being, however, gym and yoga seem to have different psychological impacts. Future research should focus on comparing the psychological effects of different physical activity interventions in prevention programmes as well as exercise prescriptions in patients with mental illness.