Several authors report health improvements with training based on the Pilates Method; however, no explicit analysis has been performed on cardiorespiratory effects after Method exclusive training. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 15 weeks of Pilates training on cardiorespiratory fitness in young, sedentary women. Method: A total of 13 sedentary women 21-35 years volunteered and signed an informed consent for the observational study of a single group, performing control-test, pre- and post-exercise measurements. The Pilates program was conducted for 15 weeks, with two 50-min sessions per week. Cardiorespiratory responses were assessed using an open circuit ergospirometry system by gas analyzer (MGC, model CPX/D). Results: During the 15-week program, statistically significant advances were observed in maximum oxygen consumption F (1.25; 13.78) = 18.95; p =.001; ω2 =.858 with large effect size (r =.81; p <.001), first ventilatory threshold F (1.19; 13.15) = 20.43; p =.001; ω2 =.034 with large effect size (r =.77; p <.05) and second ventilatory threshold F (1.18; 13.00) = 24.56; p =.001 also presenting a large effect size (r =.85; p <.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that practicing Pilates for 30 × 50 min sessions had a positive influence on cardiorespiratory parameters in healthy sedentary women with low respiratory capacities.
Keywords: Body composition; Pilates; cardiorespiratory parameters; health.