PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE EXERCISES ON THE PHYSICAL FITNESS OF STUDENT ATHLETES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to find out the perceived effects of strength and endurance exercises on the physical fitness of student-athletes in tertiary institutions. Four research questions were raised. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 300 student-athletes in the University of Benin. The sample size of the study comprised of 100 student-athletes in the University of Benin. The validity of the study was determined by the researchers supervisor and two others in the department of human  kinetics and sports science. The Cronbach alpha statistics result gotten from the reliability test were 0.76, indicating that the instrument was reliable. The study revealed that the effects of strength and endurance training on the physical fitness of student-athletes are increasing muscle mass, enhancing muscular strength, improving cardiovascular health, stamina, and recovery and improving overall body composition and athletic performance.