Effects of Group Exercise Training on Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Physically Inactive Adolescents

Introduction: Physical inactivity during adolescence is associated with reduced physical fitness and poorer psychosocial well-being, including low self-esteem (SE) and negative body image (BI). School-based group exercise programs may offer a practical approach to improving both psychological and physical health in this population.
Objective: To examine the effects of a 12-week school-based group exercise training program on SE, BI, and health-related physical fitness (HRPF) in physically inactive adolescents.
Methods: In this two-arm randomized controlled trial, physically inactive adolescents aged 13–15 years were randomized to Group Exercise Training (GET) or Control (CON). GET participated in supervised group exercise sessions 3 times/week for 12 weeks (~60 min/session), including aerobic activities, functional bodyweight circuit exercises, and cool-down stretching. Outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention effects were evaluated using ANCOVA.
Results: Compared with CON, GET demonstrated significantly higher post-intervention SE (p=0.002) and improved BI (p=0.001). GET also showed superior improvements in PACER performance (p<0.001), curl-up (p<0.001), push-up (p<0.001), and sit-and-reach (p=0.004).
Conclusion: School-based group exercise program significantly improved SE, BI, and HRPF in physically inactive adolescents. Group exercise delivered in schools may be an effective and scalable strategy for adolescent health promotion