Abstract

Middle age can be described as a vulnerable phase in which unfavorable shifts in body composition and pulmonary function significantly increase the likelihood of developing chronic non?communicable diseases. The present study examined differences in percent body fat and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among middle?aged individuals following distinct exercise patterns in Shivamogga, Tumkuru and Chickmagalur districts. A total of 140 participants aged 35–50 years were purposively selected and categorized into four groups: yoga practitioners, gym training participants, intermittent exercise practitioners, and a passive lifestyle group (n = 35 in each group). Percent body fat and PEFR were measured using standard procedures. The yoga, gym, and intermittent exercise groups showed lower mean percent body fat (24.52%, 25.99%, and 26.50%, respectively) compared with the passive lifestyle group (29.08%). Correspondingly, PEFR was higher in the active groups (92.53 L/min, 91.21 L/min, and 86.53 L/min) than in the passive group (66.29 L/min). One?way ANOVA revealed significant between?group differences for both percent body fat (F = 8.83, p < .001) and PEFR (F = 14.67, p < .001). These findings suggest that regular engagement in structured exercise, particularly yoga and gym training, is associated with more favorable body composition and lung function in middle?aged adults.

Keywords: Yoga, Gym Training, Intermittent Exercise, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Percent Body Fat and Middle?Aged Adults.