Aerobics 166394 225366439 2008-07-13T08:59:07Z Becky Sayles 7447956 removed spam {{expert-subject|Sports}} {{Refimprove|date=July 2007}} [[Image:Aerobic exercise - public demonstration01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An aerobics class.]] {{otheruses4|the type of exercise|the exercise physiology topic|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]], [[muscle|muscular]] [[strength]], and [[Circulatory system|cardio-vascular]] fitness). It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting led by an [[teacher|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. ==Aerobic gymnastics== '''Aerobic gymnastics''', also known as '''sport aerobics''' and '''competitive aerobics''', is a type of [[Competition#Sports|competitive]] aerobics involving complicated [[choreography]], [[rhythmic gymnastics|rhythmic]] and [[acrobatic gymnastics]] with elements of aerobics.<ref>{{cite web | coauthors= | title=The Aerobic Gymnastics | date= | publisher=FIG - Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique| url =http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/cache/compo/12588-6249-10001.html | work = | accessdate =2008-07-04 }}</ref> 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, four consecutive push-ups, and a phase beginning with four jumping jacks and comprising 32 counts of standing movements and 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 (gymnastics)|tumbling]] such as [[Handspring (gymnastics)|handsprings]], [[handstand]]s, [[back flip]]s, and aerial [[somersault]]s 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. ==References== ;Specific references <references/> ;Other sources * {{cite web | url = http://www.hickoksports.com/history/aerobics.shtml | title = Sport history: Aerobics | accessdate = 2007-10-02 | date = 2006-10-10 | language = english | format = html}} * {{cite web | url = http://aerobics.indianetzone.com/1/aerobics_health.htm | title = Aerobics and Health | accessdate = 2007-10-02 | language = english | format = html}} ==External links== *[http://www.fedintgym.com/rules/docs/06-code/05-aer/codeaer0701-e.zip Code of Points of Sport Aerobics, FIG] {{Sport-stub}} [[Category:Aerobic exercise]] [[Category:Exercise physiology]] [[bg:Аеробика]] [[ca:Aeròbic]] [[cs:Aerobik]] [[da:Aerobic]] [[de:Aerobic]] [[et:Aeroobika]] [[es:Aeróbic]] [[eu:Aerobik]] [[fr:Aérobic]] [[gl:Aeróbic]] [[it:Ginnastica aerobica]] [[he:פעילות אירובית]] [[ky:Аэробика]] [[lv:Aerobika]] [[lt:Aerobika]] [[nl:Aerobics]] [[ja:エアロビクスダンス]] [[pl:Aerobik]] [[pt:Ginástica aeróbica]] [[ru:Аэробика]] [[sk:Aerobik]] [[fi:Aerobic]] [[sv:Aerobics]] [[uk:Аеробіка]] [[zh:有氧健身操]]