peter radford asked:


Background

Aerobics refers to the type of physical exercise that involves aerobic routines, which refers to exercise that involves or improves oxygen consumption by the body, by the application of rhythmical movements. In particular, it defines the concepts of: Flexibility, which is the amount of movement in a joint or muscle that is attainable with the help of a partner or the use of a certain piece of equipment.

Aerobics are usually performed to a background of music and is normally enacted in a group setting led by an instructor, who leads and guides the group to ensure continuity. However, it can also be undertaken as a solo exercise, and without musical accompaniment, although it is argued that this is not as beneficial as in the group setting.

The benefits of aerobics are not only the development of physical fitness, but also the ability to either prevent, or at the very least, reduce the incidence of certain illnesses.

The prescribed actions involve the participants performing a series of different dance-like exercises. In order to achieve the best results from the participants, aerobics classes are normally performed at different levels of intensity and complexity depending on the abilities and physical fitness of the performers.

Many gyms offer the facility of aerobic classes. Each class is designed to accommodate a certain level of experience of the performers and is taught by a certified instructor with experience related to their particular class.

Aerobic gymnastics

Aerobic gymnastics, also known as sport aerobics or competitive aerobics, refers to performing complicated and high activity movements to music, which originate from traditional aerobics, with a high level of perfectly executed movements which are defined as difficult.

It combines aerobics, sports aerobics, coordinating gymnastics with music, dance movements and choreography of the entire performance.

In order to introduce fairness, the performances are structured under various categories according to the age, gender and composition of the group, whether individual, mixed pairs or trios.

The judging is based on the following movements: strength exhibited whilst stationery and in motion, jumps and leaps, kicks, balance and flexibility. There are three compulsory exercises: four successive high leg kicks, four successive push-ups, and a programme which begins with four jumping jacks, and leads into 32 elements of standing movements and patterns. Performers are allowed to choose up to ten techniques from following selection: push-ups, supports and balances, kicks and splits, jumps and leaps. However, the following maneuvers may not be included in the routines: handstands, tumbling, back flips, handsprings, or aerial somersaults.

The performances are judged on the basis of the quality of the artistic content, the creativity exhibited, how well the performance was executed, and the extent of the difficulty of the routines presented.

Sport aerobics is represented in competitions at state, national, and international levels, but is not established as an Olympic sport.

Peter Radford writes Articles with Websites on a range of subjects, under the heading: Subject – How To Succeed. Aerobics Articles cover Background, History, Types of Exercise, Benefits, Aerobic Capacity, Other Issues, Commercial Success. Website has many more.

View his Website at: aerobics-how-to-succeed.com

View his Blog at: aerobics-how-to-succeed.blogspot.com



Connie

Cindy Heller asked:


There are numerous aerobics classes to choose from today. You just have to find an aerobics class that appeals to you. However, as most people do not like exercising, there is a type of aerobics which is the dance aerobics.

Most people love to dance and dancing is on of the ways to relieve stress. It is also a way to have fun whether you do it on your own or with others. So, if you combine exercise and dancing, aerobics would be much more fun. This is why dance aerobics classes are popular all over the country. You can have fun while being healthy and at the same time losing weight.

In a dance aerobics class, all you have to do is dance to your favorite music. The instructor will teach you the moves that will help you to not only lose weight but also to become a better dancer. As every aerobics session usually last twenty to thirty minutes with at least three times per week, a dance aerobics class will be the best option for those not motivated enough to exercise for long periods. Twenty to thirty minutes will fly by in the blink of an eye in a dance aerobics class. You will be having so much fun that you won’t even realize that you’re exercising.

Dance aerobics classes are usually filled with people who enjoy dancing as well. This will make your experience more fun and fulfilling because you will feel that you are not alone in your exercise plan. You can dance and make friends while having fun and losing weight all at the same time. There aren’t many other exercise programs that offer the same thing.

Tips On Performing Aerobic Dance Steps

Before beginning an aerobics dance step workout, you probably have had the opportunity to witness dance aerobics classes. If you are impressed with the high levels of energy and the coordination of the participants who were performing aerobic dance steps and feel a little intimidated to join a dance aerobic class, remember that everyone in the class was at one point of time, at the same level that you are at now. There is a beginning to every aerobic dance step class.

The instructor will guide you step-by-step with the dance movements. All you have to do is to follow the instructions and imitate the instructor. Above the music in the aerobics dance class, the leader will shout out instructions to the class. The dance aerobics instructor will be leading the group, shouting out instructions to the class. He will be using the words like left and right. These words refer to the left or right arm or leg. The best advice for you if you are confused while learning the aerobic dance steps is to at first ignore the commands from the instructor and simply imitate his lead.

Understanding The Basics Of Dance Aerobics

Dance aerobics patterns are usually measured in beats. These beats are usually 32 or 64 per minute. However, it is again important not to worry about counting the total beats. All you have to do is simply follow the lead of the instructor. Usually, in keeping time, the only counting that needs to be done in a dance aerobics class is in intervals of four and eight. The entire dance step segment will fall into either one of these counts. A typical aerobic dance step session is performed in four or eight counts.

In addition to dance steps, the dance aerobics routine may also include arm movements. The arm movements are added to the dance steps to increase the heart rate. Remember that it is important to feel comfortable with the basic aerobics dance steps first before adding other movements at your own pace.

Remember Not To Be Self-Conscious

It is important to always keep in mind that you are performing these aerobics dance steps movements to improve your health and your general well-being. You may also have other goal such as toning your muscles or loosing weight. Therefore, you must try not to be self-conscious when performing the dance aerobics steps. If a few times you are out of step or you do not get the routine right the first few tries, remember that the actions you perform will still be beneficial to you and that you are doing aerobic dance steps for yourself and not for others. Also remember that practice makes perfect, so you must keep on practicing to get the perfect aerobics dance moves.



Margaret

Patti Oar asked:


GET IN SHAPE THE EASY WAY FOR EXERCISE HATERS

 

Do you ever feel like getting in shape or maintaining fitness is overwhelming? If so, you’re not alone. Many, many people have great intentions in starting a fitness program, but can’t maintain the energy or enthusiasm to sustain the effort. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed and it doesn’t mean you can’t still get into shape.OK, there are some strange freaky people who actually like to workout. You’ll hear them talking about how they have to work up a sweat every day or some other crazy nonsense like that. But the truth is for most of us working out is a HUGE Chore! I **** it. I actually **** it every day, but I have managed to stay in shape over the years and I’ve done it in my own way, by multi-tasking. Setting aside an hour each day to workout doesn’t really work for me and perhaps it isn’t your cup of tea either. I have learned to work it into my day and not feel that it’s something I have to set aside, but I manage to exercise while doing other things.

 

Studies have shown that just by walking at a brisk pace for 30-60 minutes a day you are actually burning more fat than running. And boy is that good news for me since I absolutely hate-hate-hate to run. For the longest time I always said that I couldn’t run and that always got me off the hook, but the truth is when I tried it I found that I could actually run for up to 3 miles. I was shocked and ran each day for a while, but it wasn’t for me so I quit. But my dog needs a walk each day so I multi-task and get my aerobic walking in when I’m walking him. We usually go as soon as we get out of bed and then don’t have to worry about it the rest of the day. I do have a treadmill for when the weather is bad, but taking the dog for a walk outside is so much nicer than plodding along on a treadmill. We’re outside in the fresh air and I’m just having fun with my dog. Now I’m not only getting aerobic exercise, but as I said above I like to multi-task when I exercise. I recently purchased a pair of negative heel shoes. There are several brands of these shoes such as MBT Shoes. They claim to not only exercise your legs and **** while you’re wearing them, but they are also supposed to get rid of cellulite. Now I have to warn you, wearing these shoes will give you a serious leg workout Your legs will be burning. I wear them for a 3 mile walk and I’m halfway through before the burning stops. I absolutely **** it, but what a great workout. I can feel it all the way up my legs and **** and even my inner thighs. Then I get out my Ipod and fire up an audiobook and now I’m not only walking my dog, but additionally I am:

 

1. Getting an aerobic workout

 

2. Building my leg muscles with negative heel shoes

 

3. Reading a book

 

As for the non-aerobic exercise, there are many ways you can do this rather painlessly. It does take a little time and effort to get into the habit, but once you do it’s so easy and you don’t even realize you’re doing it. If you like to watch tv you can do a whole ab routine while watching your favorite soap opera. While your mind is focused on the show you forget the pain you’re feeling and before you know if you’ve finished the routine. There are many ab routines you can do such as using an exercise ball, which is actually fun or yoga, pilates or something like Callan Pinckney’s Callanetics (my favorite) Before you know it you’ll have strong flat abs and you’ll be amazed at your strength.After you’ve done the dishes or brushed your teeth you can take a few minutes to do a few barre type exercises for your legs. It really doesn’t take very long and you’ll be amazed at the difference in the way you feel and look. You can attach a band or stretchy bungy type exerciser to a doorknob (just leave it there all the time) and when you see it it will remind you to do a few upper body moves. If you get into the habit of incorporating these types of movements into each day, it will become second nature and before you know it you’ll be in shape investing a lot of time. The best part about any type of working out is that it’s like ***. The more you do, the more you want to do. It is a self-motivating prophecy. You’ll look better which will just motivate you to do more. And when other people notice how fabulous you look and start complimenting you your motivation will soar.

 

So before you think that working out and getting into shape is overwhelming, just try to take it in little bites and soon you’ll be reaping all the benefits. Who knows? You may find that crazy little athlete inside you that’s just waiting to be released. It could happen…



Allison