Aerobics
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An aerobics class.
This article is about the type of exercise. For the exercise physiology topic, see Aerobic exercise.

Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness). It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting led by an instructor, although it can be done solo and without musical accompaniment. With the goal of preventing illness and promoting physical fitness, practitioners perform various routines comprising a number of different dance-like exercises. Formal aerobics classes are divided into different levels of intensity and complexity. Aerobics classes may allow participants to select their level of participation according to their fitness level. Many gyms offer a wide variety of aerobic classes for participants to take. Each class is designed for a certain level of experience and taught by a certified instructor with a specialty area related to their particular class. The current Australian national champion is Kenji Fujihara.
Contents
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* 1 History
* 2 Aerobic gymnastics
* 3 References
* 4 External links

[edit] History

Both the term and the specific exercise method were developed by Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., an exercise physiologist, and Col. Pauline Potts, a physical therapist, both of the United States Air Force. Dr. Cooper, an avowed exercise enthusiast, was personally and professionally puzzled about why some people with excellent muscular strength were still prone to poor performance at tasks such as long-distance running, swimming, and bicycling. He began measuring systematic human performance using a bicycle ergometer, and began measuring sustained performance in terms of a person's ability to use oxygen. His groundbreaking book, Aerobics, was published in 1968, and included scientific exercise programs using running, walking, swimming and bicycling. The book came at a fortuitous historical moment, when increasing weakness and inactivity in the general population was causing a perceived need for increased exercise. It became a bestseller. Cooper's data provided the scientific baseline for almost all modern aerobics programs, most of which are based on oxygen-consumption equivalency.

[edit] Aerobic gymnastics

Aerobic gymnastics, also known as sport aerobics and competitive aerobics, is a type of competitive aerobics involving complicated choreography, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics with elements of aerobics.[1] Performance is divided into categories by age, sex and groups (individual, mixed pairs and trios) and are judged on the following elements: dynamic and static strength, jumps and leaps, kicks, balance and flexibility. Three exercises are mandatory: four consecutive high leg kicks,patterns. A maximum of ten elements from following families are allowed: push-ups, supports and balances, kicks and splits, jumps and leaps. Elements of tumbling such as handsprings, handstands, back flips, and aerial somersaults are prohibited. Scoring is by judging of artistic quality, creativity, execution, and difficulty of routines. Sport aerobics has state, national, and international competitions, but is not an Olympic sport.

The definition of Sport Aerobics, officially called Aerobic Gymnastics[1], is the ability to perform continuously complex and high intensity movement patterns to music- which originate from traditional aerobics - with a high degree of perfectly executed elements of difficulty. The routine must demonstrate creativity with the perfect integration of all movement, music and expression. It combines the elements of aerobics, sports acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics along with music, dance and choreography. Here [2] is a good movie introducing sport aerobics.

[edit] Nature of the game

In short words, sport aerobics is the combination of many kinds of movements. Many movements are done during one period of time, for example, waving hands while twisting the body in one leap. The body is supposed to move all the time in pounding music. To coordinate legs and arms to do sophisticated movement, performers need to have a good coordination. Otherwise, the movement can be very amusing. Some movements, such as the splits, require good flexibility.

The performance area is 7m x 7m. Performers fit into divisions: Junior Divisions, made up of Primary and Secondary teams; Novice Divisions including Individual Men and Women; Intermediate Divisions comprising Individual Men and Women, Mixed Pairs and Trios; and Elite Divisions including Individual Men and Women, Mixed Pairs and Trios. A three-person team may be made of any combination of men and women in a trio. Step teams and general divisions also exist.

The performances are made up of the following elements: dynamic strength, static strength, jumps and leaps (power), kicks (dynamic strength), balance and flexibility. The routine must be performed entirely to music. Three exercises are mandatory: four consecutive high leg kicks, four consecutive push-ups, and a phase beginning with four jumping jacks and comprising 32 counts of standing movements and patterns. Additionally, a maximum of ten elements from following families are allowed: push-ups, supports and balances, kicks and splits, jumps and leaps. Some movements in other gymnastic sports(sport acrobatics, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, etc.) are prohibited, such as handsprings, handstands, back flips, and aerial somersaults.

In the competition, women are required to wear a one-piece leotard (tights are optional) while men must wear a unitard or body shorts and form fitting (lycra) shirts. Sometimes, men wear tights to prevent cold or for artistic purpose. Those clothes are often intricately designed with bright color.

Scoring of the performances is according to: artistic quality, creativity, execution, and difficulty. Artistic quality is the composition of the routine. Creativity is the variety of movements, lifts in pairs, trios and groups. Execution is the perfection of each movement. Difficulty is the number of required gymnastic elements demonstrating strength, flexibility, power and local muscular endurance.

Sport aerobics has state, national, and international competitions including world championships, but is not yet an Olympic sport.

A video of 11 year old Bali Dániel competing in Hungary in 2006