Benefits of six weeks of Exercise on the Mood Profile (POMS) in private gym clients

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.110858

Keywords:

Physical exercise, mood state , private gyms, poms

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in sedentary lifestyles and daily demands has led to a growing interest in physical exercise in private gyms as a strategy to promote and protect physical and mental health. This trend highlights the need to understand how structured exercise programs influence psychological well‑being.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of six weeks of training on the mood state profile of novice participants with no recent training experience (Ge), compared with long‑term clients engaged in regular training (Gc).

Methodology: A quasi‑experimental repeated‑measures design was used. The program consisted of two to three weekly strength‑training sessions lasting 80 minutes, including a 10‑minute aerobic warm‑up. Mood state was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), with measurements collected in the first, second, fourth, and sixth weeks of the program.

Results: The novice group showed positive and statistically significant changes in all POMS dimensions. The most prominent improvements were observed in Vigor and Fatigue, while Tension and Depression exhibited smaller but meaningful changes. In contrast, the regularly trained group showed no significant modifications in its mood profile throughout the same period.

Conclusion: Six weeks of structured physical exercise in a commercial gym produced meaningful improvements across all mood‑state dimensions in the novice group, whereas the experienced group maintained stable levels. Consistent with existing literature, these findings suggest that the type of exercise performed—combined with the characteristics of the population is a key factor in generating specific benefits across the different mood states assessed by the POMS.

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Published

02-06-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Vallejo-Reyes, F., Pavez-Gajardo, C., & Duclos-Bastías, D. (2026). Benefits of six weeks of Exercise on the Mood Profile (POMS) in private gym clients. Retos, 79, 411-422. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.110858