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General Aerobics Imformation


The Beginning

Aerobic exercise refers to exercise that involves or improves oxygen consumption by the body. Aerobic means "with oxygen", and refers to the use of oxygen in the body's metabolic or energy-generating process.

Many types of exercise are aerobic, and by definition are performed at moderate levels of intensity for extended periods of time. To obtain the best results, an aerobic exercise session involves a warming up period, followed by at least 20 minutes of moderate to intense exercise involving large muscle groups, and a cooling down period at the end.

Aerobics was originally created by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, a physician at the San Antonio Air Force Hospital in Texas, to prevent coronary artery disease. These exercises were originally invented for astronauts and they were carefully monitored for pulse rate and oxygen consumption. In later years, it was observed that these types of exercises were also useful for the general population and therefore came about the different forms of aerobics such as dance aerobics, step aerobics, water aerobics, high and low impact aerobics, etc.

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.

During the next two decades, aerobic dance and exercise in various forms spread throughout the United States and into other countries. The number of aerobic participants in the U.S. alone grew from and estimated 6 million in 1978 to 22 million in 1987. Aerobics was also found to be very effective in boosting overall fitness levels, and there began the revolution – an exercise form that was to take the fitness world by storm.


Aerobics were introduced in the late 1960s. Two early pioneers were Jacki Sorensen, whose program was called “Aerobic Dance,” and Judi Sheppard Missett, the creator of “Jazzercise.” By the mid-1970s, aerobic exercise was sweeping the nation, and women everywhere getting involved. Classes were held in gyms, local community centers, schools, and private homes. Even senior citizens were encouraged to participate.




High vs. Low Impact Aerobics

The main difference between high and low impact aerobics is the amount of stress placed on the bones and joints of the body. Low impact aerobic activities (like swimming or cycling) generally put less stress on bones and joints, which may be important for people recovering from some forms of injury or someone who suffers from a condition such as arthritis. In low impact aerobics, there is typically at least one foot on the ground at all times. Whereas in high impact aerobics, both feet may leave the ground at the same time. High impact aerobics (such as running) puts more stress on the bones and joints. If the bones and joints are healthy then this usually isn't a problem (and either type can help strenghten them) unless you engage in a large amount of high impact aerobics.





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