Sport aerobics

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Sport aerobics, or aerobic gymnastics,[1] is a competitive sport originating from traditional aerobics in which complex, high-intensity movement patterns and elements of varying difficulty are performed to music. In addition to aerobics, it combines elements of sports acrobatics and rhythmic gymnastics, along with music, dance and choreography.

Nature of the game

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/holds, 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, but many of these are allowed in FISAF aerobics.

In the competition, women are required to wear a one-piece leotard, shimmer tan tights, white socks and white runners, with their hair in a tight bun. 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 colour.

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.

Competitive aerobic gymnastics

FIG aerobics

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).[2] Since 1999 The European Union of Gymnastics has been conducting Aerobic European Gymnastics Championships in all uneven years.[3] Leading nations who have provided World Medallists are: Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Romania, Russia and Spain.[2]

FISAF aerobics

The Federation of International Sports, Aerobics and Fitness (FISAF) is an international non-profit "umbrella organization" active in over 40 countries. It is self-described as "the largest fitness industry organisation in the world" and "the largest instructor certification agency in the world".

Besides offering training and accreditation, the Federation of International Sports, Aerobics and Fitness hosts a variety of national-and international-level sports aerobics competitions leading up to an annual World Championship.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "FIG definition to Sport aerobics". 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Federation Internationale de Gymnastique History of Aerobic Gymnastics
  3. ↑ European Union of Gymnastics History of Aerobic Gymnastics
  4. ↑ FISAF World Championships

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