Daily Physical Activity, Diet And Body Composition Of Women Participating In Different Fitness Modalities: Cardio, Muscle, Cardio & Muscle, And Body & Mind

Abstract Introduction. Women increasingly participate in organized fitness activities that differ in training characteristics, physiological demands, and potential effects on lifestyle behaviors and body composition. Despite growing interest in fitness participation, comparative studies simultaneously addressing physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet quality, nutrition knowledge, and body composition across different fitness modalities remain limited. This study aimed to assess these factors among young adult women regularly participating in cardio, muscle, cardio & muscle, or body & mind fitness classes and to examine associations between lifestyle behaviors and adiposity. Material and Methods. The study included 276 women aged 20-35 years who regularly attended one selected fitness modality. Physical activity and sitting time were assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Dietary behaviors and nutrition knowledge were evaluated with selected components of the KomPAN questionnaire, including the Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10) and Non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14). Body composition was assessed using anthropometric measurements, skinfold thickness, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Nonparametric statistical tests and Spearman’s rank correlations were applied. Results. All groups demonstrated high levels of total physical activity. Women participating in cardio & muscle classes showed the highest mean levels of total and vigorous physical activity, whereas the lowest values were observed in the cardio group; however, these differences were not statistically significant. A significant positive association was found between sitting time and body fat percentage. Diet quality and nutrition knowledge were moderate across all groups, with no significant intergroup differences. The most favorable body composition parameters were observed in women attending muscle classes, while the highest adiposity values occurred in the body & mind group, although most differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions. Among physically active young women, fitness modality alone was not a key determinant of physical activity level, diet quality, nutrition knowledge, or overall body composition. Total exercise dose and sedentary behavior appeared to be more important factors influencing adiposity. Reducing sitting time alongside regular exercise may enhance health outcomes in women participating in fitness programs.