FITNESS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CHANGES IN EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS OVER A CLIMBING SEASON

R. B. Densley, D. Defrang, & J. T. Peterson Linfield College, McMinnville, OR; Mazamas, Portland, OR PURPOSE: This study surveyed the physical activity levels, anthropometrics, muscular strength, and muscular endurance of a group of experienced mountaineers. METHODS: Nine male and three female (mean age=53.17 range= 35-74) participants volunteered from the Mazamas Mountaineering Club in Portland, Oregon and were measured for anthropometrics (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist, % body fat, % muscle, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and blood pressure), sit and reach, max handgrip strength, max push-ups, Canadian curl-ups, and were given a physical activity questionnaire prior to and following the regular mountain climbing season (April to October). Variables were analyzed using a paired students t-test (