Traditional Fitness Gym Training Effects on Cardiovascular Parameters, Body Composition, and Posture in Adolescents: A 15-Year Review

Abstract

Adolescence represents a critical developmental period for the maturation of cardiovascular, metabolic, and
musculoskeletal systems. Declining physical activity and increasing sedentary behaviour during this stage
are associated with cardiometabolic risk, body composition changes, and postural deviations. Traditional
fitness gym training combining aerobic and resistance exercise performed on machines in supervised indoor
environments may simultaneously target these health domains. This review aimed to identify and synthesize
evidence on the effects of gym-based aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular parameters, body
composition, and posture in adolescents. Materials and Methods: A structured literature search was
conducted in PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and HINARI databases to identify intervention studies
published between 2009 and 2025. Eligible studies included adolescents aged 10 to 19 years engaged in
supervised gym or indoor facility programs using aerobic and/or resistance equipment. Outcomes included
cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiometabolic indicators, body composition, and postural assessments.
Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and quasi-experimental studies were
included. Results: A total of ten analytical units fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Interventions generally spanned
8 to 22 weeks, with 2 to 4 sessions weekly. Combined aerobic and resistance training was associated with
improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂peak), reductions in body fat, and increases in lean mass.
Resistance-focused interventions were associated with improvements in blood pressure and body
composition. Three studies evaluated postural outcomes, suggesting potential improvements in trunk
endurance and postural alignment. Conclusions: Supervised gym-based aerobic and resistance training is
associated with improvements in cardiovascular fitness and body composition in adolescents and may
contribute to postural improvements, although current evidence for posture remains limited. These findings
suggest that structured gym-based programs may represent a useful strategy for adolescent health
promotion; however, further high-quality research is needed.