Results ‘How Fit Is Belgium?’ Study 2022

AIM of the 2022 NATIONAL FITNESS SURVEY

We want to investigate whether we can motivate our target group of physically inactive individuals enough to start exercising. They will participate in a 5-week programme with individually tailored fitness sessions and theory lessons.

It’s not easy being 40!

Results from the National Fitness Survey 2022 showed that 100% of over-40s who don’t meet the standard for physical activity suffer from one or more life-threatening disorders due to INSUFFICIENT EXERCISE:

Metabolic disorders (obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, belly fat, diabetes)
Psychological disorders (stress, burnout, depression)
Musculoskeletal disorders (back pain, etc.)

METHOD of the fitness survey

Using social media, we invite individuals to participate in the fitness survey at accredited fitness centres.

We explore which is the best individual fitness programme for getting started.

We take a before and after measurement and calculate the individual’s FIT INDEX (strength and endurance) progress after 5 weeks.

At the end of 5 weeks, we examine the impact of this fitness programme on their health and discuss the results in a meeting.

We ask participants if they feel motivated enough to continue doing sports/exercise.

CONCLUSIONS from the 2022 fitness study:

All participants showed significant improvement in their overall fitness level (FIT INDEX) after 5 weeks.

The proof that these individuals can train, along with an increased awareness about the impact of fitness on their health, provided a strong incentive for continuing to exercise regularly.

More than 70% of the fitness survey participants enrolled in a follow-up programme.

Figures from 2022

3260 participants (with an average age of 51) attended 10 fitness sessions in 5 consecutive weeks
Across 54 independent fitness centres that provided the training (theory, testing, coaching)
The average increase in the FIT INDEX was 32%

Results ‘How Fit Is Your Heart?’ Study 2020

In the first quarter of 2020, European Fitness Academy conducted a 5-week ‘How Fit is Your Heart?’ study among physically vulnerable people.

In this research we keep the focus on improving the strength of all major muscle groups and on endurance. We measure how one can increase the energetic capacity of the body (Metabolic Index).

The research was conducted in 50 fitness centers in Belgium. There were more than 2,000 participants who each followed 10 fitness sessions over 5 weeks.

Evaluation
Results for men and women aged 25 to 77:
Metabolic Index: +31.4%

Decision
There is a clear progression score of the energetic capacity of the body (Metabolic Index): increase of 31.4%

If your body has the physical capacity to use more energy during exercise (Metabolic Index), more sugars and fats will be burned. Body fat % and visceral fat will decrease. The metabolic rate (resting metabolism) will also increase. Your metabolism speeds up.

Increasing the Metabolic Index and Metabolic Rate values provides effective protection against the metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, abdominal fat, overweight) and is a strong remedy against cardiovascular disease.

Results Slim down research program 2018

In the second quarter of 2018, The European Fitness Academy conducted a 5-week weight loss study in obese individuals.

With the slim down research program we keep the focus on improving strength and endurance. We measure how the burning capacity can be increased (Fat Burn Capacity). Due to this approach, we can get the fat percentage and body weight under control.

There were 100 participants, 48 men and 52 women, from Aalter, Brugge and Vilvoorde, who each followed 10 sessions for 5 weeks.

Evaluation

Results for men and women between 25 and 65 years with a BMI > 25 (average = 30):

Total strength: + 27.84%

Endurance (VO2Max): + 6.47%

Fat Burn Capacity: + 34.58%

Summary

There was a significant improvement in Fat Burn Capacity, increase by 34.58%

Results Back Pain Research program 2017

During the last quarter of 2017, European Fitness Academy conducted a 5-week study in people with back problems.

The goal was to see if we could improve the pain-free loadability of the spine with the use of specific training.

There were 116 participants from Vilvoorde, Brugge and Aalter who each followed 10 sessions during 5 weeks.

Evaluation

Physically

• Muscular

    The pain free loadability of the lower back muscles increased by + 122.8%

    The pain free loadability of the large muscle groups increased by + 71.0%

•     Cardio Vascular

    MET Bicycle test (constant heart rate training at 60%) + 2.3%

Activity of Daily Life

A questionnaire containing 24 questions about back pain during activities of daily life was completed before and after the research program. Pain-related activities were answered with ‘ YES ‘. The average number of ‘ YES ‘ responses decreased from 7.0 to 4.2.

Conclusion

• There is a significant improvement in the pain free loadability of the back and of the large muscle groups
• There is a significant decrease in back pain during daily activities