Objectives: To examine the effect of a 4-week fitness program on the participants' satisfaction with life and health.
Methods: The threefold study design comprised a physical entry test accompanied by a pre-survey, a fitness program (six strength exercises; two times 30 min per week over a 4-week period), and an exit test accompanied by a post-survey. Participants (69.9% female; mean age = 46.4; mean BMI = 25.9; N = 10,386) self-selected in the program in 316 fitness clubs across Germany. Regression analysis was used to isolate the effect of the fitness program while controlling for gender, age, age squared, education, income, motivation, physical performance, month, and state.
Results: Physical performance improved significantly (p < 0.001). The reported level of satisfaction with life and health was significantly higher after participation in the 4-week fitness program.
Conclusions: Significant positive effects on subjective well-being can already be observed after a period as short as 4 weeks. Policy makers should support the provision of such time-efficient programs which are appealing to overweight population groups.