Aerobics

Cooper, an exercise enthusiast, was puzzled about why some people with good muscular strength were prone to perform poorly at activities such as long-distance running, swimming, and bicycling.

He began using a bicycle ergometer to measure sustained performance in terms of a person's ability to use oxygen.

At the same time, Judi Missett's Jazzercise was taking off in the form of dance studio franchises in the U.S.[3] Aerobics gained greater popularity, spreading worldwide after the release of Jane Fonda's Workout video in 1982, sparking an industry boom.

Step aerobics was developed independently by a few American exercise instructors working separately in the mid-1980s,[5] especially Gin Miller and Connie Collins Williams in Atlanta, and Cathe Friedrich in New Jersey.

Shoe manufacturer Reebok popularized the exercise method, selling a plastic step unit starting in 1990.

Regardless of the complexity of the choreography, most instructors offer various options for different levels of intensity/dance ability while teaching the routines.

This is sometimes followed by a strength section which uses body weight exercises to strengthen muscles and a stretch routine to cool down and improve flexibility.

Classes are usually 30–60 minutes in length and may include the use of equipment such as a barbell, aerobic step, or small weights.

[8] 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.

A maximum of ten elements from following families are allowed: push-ups, supports and balances, kicks and splits, jumps and leaps.