Aerobics are a very common place today. You hear that term on TV and in magazines. Your doctor tells you that you need to do aerobics. So what does “aerobic” mean and how did it start?
The term “aerobic” means with air. The exercises that make you a little out of breath are the aerobic exercises. That may be running up and down the stairs or running to the street corner to pick up your children from the bus.
The history of aerobics is quite interesting. Before the second half of the 20th century, exercise was generally only done by upper class people. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the workings of cardiovascular endurance were understood. That’s when “Nike” developed its first running shoe!
In 1968, Kenneth Cooper wrote the book “Aerobics”, then the popularity of running took off.
1969 was the birth of the commercial fitness industry. That’s when I started my career in fitness. It was a very different world back then. There were no boards to certify instructors, so student injuries were a real problem. Anyone who wanted to teach just hung up their hat.
You live in an exciting time! Much has been learned about exercise. Aerobics has advanced far beyond just walking and running. There are so many options that it can be a bit confusing to know which form of aerobics is the best.
The good news is that using variety in your aerobic exercise options is an advantage. Sticking to one form can be boring and less effective than giving many different forms of aerobic exercise. Go for it.
It is important to get good information and work with qualified instructors.
To reap the full benefits of aerobic exercise, it takes more than just running to get your kids to the bus. You need to hold that feeling of breath long enough for your body to go through all the wonderful processes it goes through during “aerobics” that help it become strong and healthy.