Abstract

Research has related both physical fitness and religiosity to health. This study combined these ideas and examined the relationship between religiosity and physical fitness among middle aged Mormon men (n=110). Mormons are an ideal population for study because of their strict health code. Fitness variables were grip strength, waist/hip ratio, body mass index (BMI) and estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). A questionnaire assessed level of religiosity and separated subjects into two groups: highly religious (n=35) and less religious (n=14). Moderately religious subjects (n=61) were omitted. A one way ANOVA (between-groups design) found no significant differences in fitness variables between groups. Results indicate that fitness and religiosity do not appear to be related among Mormon men. These factors were found to be related in Mormon women (Blakemore, 1997:16). Therefore, an increase in religiosity may be associated with improved physical fitness for Mormon women, however, based on this study no such association can be made for Mormon men.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

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