Sport aerobics, officially called aerobic gymnastics[1], is the ability to perform continuously complex and high-intensity movement patterns to music—which originates from traditional aerobics—with a high degree of perfectly executed elements of difficulty. The routine must demonstrate creativity with the perfect integration of all movement, music and expression. It combines the elements of aerobics, sports acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics along with music, dance and choreography. Here [2] is a good movie introducing sport aerobics.
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In short words, sport aerobics is the combination of many kinds of movements. Many movements are done during one period of time, for example, waving hands while twisting the body in one leap. The body is supposed to move all the time in pounding music. To coordinate legs and arms to do sophisticated movement, performers need to have good coordination. Otherwise, the movement can be very amusing. Some movements, such as the splits, require good flexibility.
The performance area is 7m × 7m. Performers fit into divisions: Junior Divisions, made up of Primary and Secondary teams; Novice Divisions including Individual Men and Women; Intermediate Divisions comprising Individual Men and Women, Mixed Pairs and Trios; and Elite Divisions including Individual Men and Women, Mixed Pairs and Trios. A three-person team may be made of any combination of men and women in a trio. Step teams and general divisions also exist.
The performances are made up of the following elements: dynamic strength, static strength, jumps and leaps (power), kicks (dynamic strength), balance and flexibility. The routine must be performed entirely to music. 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. Additionally, a maximum of ten elements from following families are allowed: push-ups, supports and balances, kicks and splits, jumps and leaps. Some movements in other gymnastic sports (sport acrobatics, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, etc.) are prohibited, such as handsprings, handstands, acrobatic flips, and aerial somersaults.
In the competition, women are required to wear a one-piece leotard (tights are optional) while men must wear a unitard or body shorts and form fitting (lycra) shirts. Sometimes, men wear tights to prevent cold or for artistic purpose. Those clothes are often intricately designed with bright color.
Scoring of the performances is according to: artistic quality, creativity, execution, and difficulty. Artistic quality is the composition of the routine. Creativity is the variety of movements, lifts in pairs, trios and groups. Execution is the perfection of each movement. Difficulty is the number of required gymnastic elements demonstrating strength, flexibility, power and local muscular endurance.
The competitive aerobic gymnastics are governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, or FIG. The FIG designs the Code of Points and regulates all aspects of international elite competition. Within individual countries, gymnastics is regulated by national federations. In 1995, the FIG recognised sports aerobic as a new competitive gymnastics discipline and organised judges and coaches courses and the 1st Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships in Paris (34 countries). In 1997, the IWGA (International World Games Association) included Aerobic Gymnastics in its programme of the 5th World Games (Lahti, Finland)[3]. Since 1999 The European Union of Gymnastics has been conducting Aerobic European Gymnastics Championships in all uneven years[4]. Leading nations who have provided World Medallists are: Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Spain and Great Britain[3].