Sports Aerobics

Sports Aerobics originated in either the United States or Canada in 1984. It is also referred to as competitive aerobics. Although people confuse it with a system of exercises, sports aerobics is actually a form of aerobic gymnastics. . It combines aerobics with gymnastics and music to create a new sport. Sports aerobics offers sports enthusiasts, excitement, while providing competitors with many challenges. Sports aerobics is also part of a means of developing agility, co-ordination and self-confidence. A sports aerobics competitor must also build-up strength and increase body flexibility.

Sports aerobics began in the 1980s as a competitive sport, but there were no specific rules of governance or regulations to standardize the competitions. In 1995, the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) stepped in. Sports aerobics became the fourth discipline of modern gymnastics. Sport aerobic competitions began to have a uniform format and set patterns of performance. FIG, however, is not the only one who institutes competitions in the field. While FIG does hold control of World Championships in the sport, there are four other international organizations arranging for various worldwide competitive meets.

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The first FIG world championship took place in 1995. The host city was Paris, France. Over the years since its inauguration, the event has continued to grow. In 2001, at least 50 separate countries participated. To reach this level, you have to qualify at regional, national and international competitions.

Competitions consist of various routines and exercises performed to music. There are five separate competitive categories. An individual, male or female, can compete alone or in mixed pairs or as a trio or a group. Within these five categories, each floor routine lasts two minutes. Judges mark according to the following criteria: Artistic, Execution and Difficulty.

Artistic merit refers to the make-up of the floor exercise routine. Is it expressive? Is it creative? Does it flow? Execution relies upon technical merits. How was the execution of each element? Difficulty indicates whether each element chosen sufficiently demonstrated the required skills of flexibility, muscle endurance, power, stamina and strength. Does the routine take the seven basic steps to a higher level?

Sport aerobic in a photo can indicate just how intense such competitions are. The action is continuous. The music pumps loud vibes over the speakers as the athletes perform their intricate and highly complex actions. There is no slowing down or stopping in a pose during a routine. The beat and the routine go quickly on and on.