This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
September 13, 2019, marked a milestone for aerobics, an exercise that has stood the test of time since its inception in 1968 by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper.
Cooper's pioneering work led to the development of exercises for astronauts, which eventually became the foundation for his book, 'Aerobics.'
He described aerobics as 'a method of physical exercise for producing beneficial changes in the respiratory and circulatory systems by activities which require a modest increase in oxygen intake and so can be maintained.'
Fast forward to the 1970s and 1980s, when aerobics evolved into various forms, including Jazzercise, a combination of aerobics and dance fitness that became a global phenomenon.
Today, aerobics remains a popular exercise, with numerous variations, such as step, indoor cycling, and body pump, among others.
According to Josphat Amimo, a fitness trainer at Nairobi's Hilton Hotel, aerobics has remained essential because it still tops the list of cardiovascular exercises.
'It is one exercise that essentially any person can do for more than 20 minutes. And for it to be what it is, one has to incorporate fun and passion,' Josphat says.
He combines aerobics with weight training, citing that they complement each other and prevent boredom.
The benefits of aerobics are numerous, including improved physical fitness, agility, and overall wellness.
Physically, aerobics help the body reach its aerobic capacity, allowing the lungs to pick up oxygen efficiently and supply it to the body.
Agility is also improved, as the different dance choreographies enable quick turns and body coordination.
Aerobics also alleviates stress levels, making it a form of therapy that creates alertness in daily life.
Additionally, aerobics helps with weight management and toning of the body, as the fat in the body is used as energy during prolonged workouts.
For toning to occur, one must align their body to stress on every muscle, making it possible for all muscles to be well-conditioned.
With the digital age, one can now train alone using online resources, but trainers like Josphat are still essential for those who need guidance on how the body functions.
Ultimately, maintaining an optimum frequency of working out and proper nutrition are key to achieving optimal results from aerobics.
