The University of Bath is offering six months free gym membership to volunteers who take part in a trial to measure the benefits of exercise on reducing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers from the Sport & Exercise Science Research Group, based in the University’s School for Health, are looking for 20 volunteers to take part in the three-week trial starting in the New Year.
They are seeking men and women between the ages of 45 and 64 who are currently inactive and overweight.
The researchers will assess each volunteer before and after the trial with the aim of finding out whether moderate or vigorous exercise is more successful in reducing heart disease risk factors.
Dr Dylan Thompson, from the Sport & Exercise Science Research Group, said: “We want to be able to tell people whether exercise at a moderate intensity for longer will achieve the same health gains as those who exercise vigorously but for a shorter time period.”
“Part of our interest is in fat tissue and we are trying to understand how loosing some weight and becoming more active can benefit our health and what contribution the fat tissue has.”
Potential participants will be asked to fill in a health questionnaire to assess whether they are eligible to take part. During the three-week intervention, they will be required to visit the University’s gym several times a week and reduce their food intake. They will be assessed at the beginning and at the end of the three-week period.
Jean-Philippe Walhin, the PhD student conducting the research added: “Both groups will receive the same dietary advice and all participants are expected to lose about a kilo a week, which is a healthy rate to lose weight.”
There are lots of benefits of taking part in the trial. Not only is it a good way to kick start a healthier lifestyle in the New Year, it is also a chance to enjoy six months free gym membership.
Jean-Philippe added: “We will also give each volunteer feedback on results, such as their fitness, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure and body composition.”
Those who are currently on medication or who suffer from heart disease are not able to take part in the trial.
For more information on taking part in the trial contact Jean-Philippe Walhin on 01225 386478 or email jpw23@bath.ac.uk