Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of step- aerobics and
pilates training on sturctural, biomotor and psychological variables of sedentary women. A
total of 20 women (39.5±3.7 years average age) participated in the study voluntarily.
Participants were randomly divided into two experiment groups (step aerobics n:10, pilates
n:10). Body height and body weight, flexibility, balance, leg and abdominal strength, and selfesteem
scale (Marsh 1994) were measured before and after the eight week training. SPSS was
used for analysis. The results showed statistical differences in flexibility, balance, leg
strength, abdominal strength, BMI, health, general physical condition, appearance, strength
and self confidence in comparisons of the pretest – posttest measurements of the pilates group
(p<0.05). There were statistical differences found in flexibility, balance, leg strength,
abdominal strength, BMI, health, and strength when the pretest – posttest measurements of
the step aerobic group were compared (p<0.05). Mann Whitney U test was performed to
compare differences between the pretest- posttest measurements of both groups and analysis
showed that there is no statistical differences between the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, it is
possible to say that eight weeks of step aerobics and pilates training has positive and similar
effects on structural, biomotor and psychological variables of sedentary women.