Work

Physiological Profile, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Supplement Use in Recreational Adults Engaged in Contemporary Gym-Based Exercise Modalities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Physical exercise is a major determinant of health and functional capacity, yet direct com-parisons among contemporary gym-based exercise modalities remain limited. This cross-sectional study compared the physiological and nutritional profile of 148 healthy recreational adults (72 men and 76 women; aged 18–45 years) engaged in mixed aero-bic-resistance training (n = 52), Pilates (n = 46), or CrossFit (n = 50). Participants under-went cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), and metabolic equivalents (METs), alongside body composition analysis, handgrip strength assessment, flexibility testing, and question-naire-based evaluation of dietary habits and supplement use. CrossFit and mixed training were associated with higher VO₂max and functional capacity than Pilates, whereas Pilates demonstrated higher VAT expressed as a percentage of VO₂max. Mixed training and CrossFit also showed more favorable body composition profiles, while mixed training demonstrated superior handgrip strength, particularly in men. Flexibility did not differ significantly among exercise modalities. Mediterranean diet adherence differed signifi-cantly among men, while protein supplements and creatine were among the most fre-quently reported supplements. Overall, exercise modality was associated with distinct physiological and nutritional characteristics, with CrossFit and mixed training showing greater cardiorespiratory and body composition benefits, whereas Pilates was linked to a different submaximal exercise profile and specific lifestyle-related patterns.

Source: Sports

DOI: 10.3390/sports14090368

Authors: Dimitrios Dragoumis, Fotios Mavrovountiotis, Evangelia Kouidi, Nikolaos Koutlianos

Institution: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular and exercise physiology

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172