Predictors of physical fitness in a college sample

The present study examined the relationships among self-reported amounts of exercise, body composition, age, weight, blood pressure, and physical fitn ess. Participants reported their duration and frequency of exercise, which were combined to obtain individual indexes of exercise. V over dot O-2 max predicted from a 1-mi. walk test, percent body fat via sum of skinfolds, bl ood pressure, and flexibility of the lower back and posterior thigh were me asured. Findings indicated that age and exercise index were significant pre dictors of fitness for women, and percent body fat was a significant predic tor for men. Results suggest individuals' exercise index moderately correla tes with fitness, although it is not the only contributing factor.