Introduction:
Regular physical activity has many positive health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and some cancers, as well as improving the quality of life.

Objectives:
The aim of the study was to examine the effects of 8-week aerobic interval cycle exercise training (AIT) compared to continuous cycle exercises of moderate intensity (CME) on the aerobic and anaerobic capacity, somatic features and lipid profile.

Material and Methods:
The research was conducted in 88 volunteers aged 19.5±0.6 years, who were randomized to three groups of organized physical activity (OPA), who exercised 3 times per week in 47 min sessions: (I) AIT (n=24) comprising 2 series of 6x10 s sprinting with maximal pedalling cadence and active rest pedalling with intensity 65%–75% HRmax, (II) CME (n=22) corresponding to 65%-75% HRmax, (III) regular collegiate physical education classes of programmed exercises (CON; n=42). Before and after OPA anthropometrics, aero- and anaerobic capacity and lipid profile indices were measured.

Results:
In AIT, a significantly greater decrease of waist circumference and WHR was noted when compared to CON, and a significantly greater reduction of sum of skinfolds than in CON and CME. Improvement in relative and absolute VO₂max (L/min and ml/kg/min) was significantly higher in AIT than CON. Work output and peak power output in the anaerobic test improved significantly in AIT, CME and CON, but independently of training type. OPA was effective only in reducing triglyceride concentrations in CME and CON groups, without interaction effects in relation to training type.

Conclusions:
It was found that 8 weeks of OPA was beneficial in improving somatic and aerobic capacity indices, but AIT resulted in the greatest improvement in somatic indices (waist circumference, WHR, sum of skinfolds) and in VO[sub]2[/sub]max, compared to CME and CON programmes.