Abstract:
The current study examined the effect of two types of acute exercise (resistance and
mind-body yoga) on state body image attitudes, to see which, was most effective at
reducing body image concerns. I t was hypothesized that both types of exercise would
lead to improvements in body image, with yoga showing the biggest benefits. Collegeaged female non/infrequent exercisers (n = 40) completed state measures of body
satisfaction, social physique anxiety (SPA), and appearance orientation prior to and
following participation in a single yoga and resistance class. Participation in the yoga
class was associated with decreases in SPA and increases in body satisfaction. However,
participation in the resistance class was associated with no changes in any of the study
variables. These findings indicate participation in a single yoga class may have positive
effects on body image attitudes, which may encourage non-exercisers to become more
active.
