An analysis of three methods of teaching physical fitness and their effect on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance

The purpose of this study was to analyze three methods of teaching physical fitness and their effect on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. To determine these effects, group means on hand strength, leg strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance tests were determined. Physical fitness changes from pretesting to posttesting were determined for the total group, females, and males, physical education majors and majors in other disciplines, and married and single subjects on each physical fitness test. Means were tested utilizing the SPSS dependent t-test method of data analysis. Students were enrolled in one of the following classes based on the teaching style and methods utilized by the teacher. Style A (Group A). Health-Related--Aerobics. Style B (Group B). Militaristic--Anaerobics. Style C (Group C). Traditional--Calisthenics, team sports, group games. Statistical results showed that all three teaching styles were effective in producing significant changes in two or more variables from pretest to posttest. The following shows significant differences found for each physical fitness component by teaching style. (1) Teacher Style A. Significant differences were found for leg strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance from pretests to posttests. No significant differences were found for hand strength from pretests to posttests. (2) Teacher Style B. Significant differences were found for hand strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance from pretests to posttests. No significant differences were found for leg strength from pretests to posttests. (3) Teacher Style C. Significant differences were found for leg strength and flexibility from pretests to posttests. No significant differences were found for hand strength and cardiovascular endurance. The statistical data indicated that aerobic activities were important for the attainment of leg strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance; anaerobic activities were important for the attainment of hand strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance; and calisthenics/team sports/games were important for the attainment of leg strength and flexibility