Pre- and post-program fitness assessments were done on 13 adult females (age=25-65, wt=118-265 lbs) who volunteered for the 6-week President’s Challenge program. The fitness testing included measurement of blood pressure levels, cardiovascular health, flexibility, body composition, psychological/behavioral health, and stress management. During the 6-week program, the subjects recorded all physical activity they performed and were asked to participate in organized weekly group meetings. Pedometers were also given to interested subjects for recording activity levels.
Though no significant statistical data was found, testing did reveal positive improvements in many areas. Six participants lost between 2-7 lbs over the six-week period. The average pre-systolic blood pressure was 127 bpm and the average post-systolic blood pressure was 119 bpm. The average change in stress vulnerability scores was -6 points. One participant’s hip to waist ratio risk went from very high risk to high risk and 2 participant’s risk factors for waist circumference risk dropped from very high to high and the other from high to low. 10 participants gained strength in upper body and 11 gained in abdominal strength. Some participants also showed advancements in cardiovascular health scores, hamstring/lower back flexibility scores, and circumference measurements.