“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” Plato

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 (fitness professional), 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. A well-balanced aerobics class will have five components: warm-up (5–10 minutes), cardiovascular conditioning (25–30 minutes), muscular strength and conditioning (10–15 minutes), cool-down (5–8 minutes) and stretching and flexibility (5–8 minutes).

Both the term and the specific exercise method were developed by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, 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.

In 1968, he published Aerobics, which included exercise programs using running, walking, swimming and bicycling. The book came at a time when increasing weakness and inactivity in the general population was causing a perceived need for increased exercise.

Aerobics gained worldwide popularity after the release of Jane Fonda’s exercise videos in 1982.

Technical Effects:

According to NASM, during aerobic exercise, your body must supply fuel for working muscles. To do this your body performs a series of chemical reactions that breakdown primarily carbohydrates and fat into a usable form of energy (glucose). Think of carbohydrates and fat as fuel for your body like gasoline is the necessary fuel for your car. In addition, your body’s heart rate and breathing rates increase as well as slight increase in temperature. The harder and faster you work the more energy is needed and subsequently the faster your heart beats to supply oxygen to working muscles.

Types:

• Step

The antique of step aerobics is almost 25 years and is yet one of the most accepted and effective ways of exercising: in a class or at home. All you require is a step and some upbeat music.

• Zumba:

This type of dance aerobics incorporates Latin moves with a party or club-like atmosphere.

• Jazz:

As per jazzercise.com, It’s a high-intensity dance party that fuses cardio, strength, Pilates, hip-hop, yoga, and kickboxing. Burn up to 800 calories per hour in any of our 60-minute classes.

• Water

Water aerobics is perfect for people with articulation problems, back pain, fragile bones due to an illness of age, persons with problems of overweight who want to get in shape without stressing their bodies, or people who get overheated easily.

Aerobics.org reports following benefits of Aerobics exercise:

1. The heart operates more efficiently and becomes stronger.
2. It helps to control your weight.
3. Decreases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
4. There is an augment in good cholesterol and reduction in bad cholesterol.
5. It helps to reduce and regulate the body fat.
6. Increases the body muscle strength and elasticity.
7. Increases the quality of sleep that refreshes you early next morning.
8. Helps to decrease chronic diseases like heart disease and hypertension.
9. Aerobics intensify the resistance fatigue and gives you more vigour and energy.
10. Recovers your mood and decreases the depression, stress, and anxiety.
11. Aerobics pushes the blood faster and more energetically.
12. Helps in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
13. Sculptures muscles of the body and makes your body more flexible.
14. Helps to reduce blood pressure.
15. Prevents from certain types of cancer also.
16. Lesser the risk of Osteoporosis
17. Control Asthma and onset of Diabetes
18. Promote weight loss

Who can’t-do?

People suffering from any diseases need to take prior approval of their doctor before commencing aerobics exercise.

“It’s never too late- never too late to change your life, never too late to be happy” Jane Fonda.