Chilile, Twangale, Tulye: The blend of Nutrition, Music and Physical activity in the attainment of modern physical fitness goals in Zambia.

Abstract

In the recent years, physical fitness has gained popularity in Zambia. This is evidenced by the opening of numerous gyms, aerobics centres and public workout events especially in urban areas. Among the reasons for the preoccupation with physical exercises; health and cosmetic appeal seem to rate highest. The blend of nutrition, music and physical activity are seen to be jointly playing a pivotal role in the attainment of modern physical fitness goals. A large number of physical workout centres have music accompanying the sessions superintended by instructors who are well aware of the cosmetic pursuits of weight loss in which nutrition information is elemental. The concept that dietary intake and physical performance go handin-hand is not a new one. Although it was not always the glossy, multi-billion pound, global industry it is today, the idea of sports nutrition is as old as sport itself. Research on the effects of music on exercise dates as far back as 1911 as seen in the works of Leonard Ayres. The interplay of music and exercise has been linked to the natural interrelation of music and movement as regards to synchronisation. This study investigated the effects of the combination music, nutrition and physical exercises on physical fitness in Lusaka based gyms and aerobic centres. Results showed that music seemed to have a psychological effect on physical exercises. The study also reviewed that many of the gym instructors and attendants believed and acknowledged that certain foods or dietary habits had an impact on their body weight or general appearance. The findings of the study are important given that an awareness of the effect of music and nutrition on physical fitness can guide instructors and exercise enthusiasts on the type of music to use and appropriate food to eat in order to achieve maximum exercise performance.