Heathrow Aerobic Gymnastics Club

About Aerobics Gymnastics

Aerobic Gymnastics became officially affiliated with the FIG (Federation Internationale de Gymnastique) in 1996 and is now the sixth discipline under the banner of British Gymnastics. Originally called Sports Aerobics, it originated in the late seventies and is now developing a strong following in Britain. As a spectator event it has obvious appeal: the sport combines fast dynamic action originating from gymnastics and aerobics. Categories include pairs, trios, groups and individuals. Routines for all, routines are performed on a 10m x 10m sprung wooden surface to vibrant music. For Age Group the floor is 7m x 7m with 10m x 10m for groups Pairs and Seniors. The word aerobic literally means « with oxygen » or « in presence of oxygen ». Aerobic exercise is any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously for a long period of time and is rhythmic in nature. Aerobic activity trains the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system to process and deliver oxygen more quickly and efficiently to every part of the body.

As the heart muscle becomes stronger and more efficient, a larger amount of blood can be pumped with each stroke. Fewer strokes are then required to rapidly transport oxygen to all parts of the body. An aerobically fit individual can work longer, more vigorously and achieve quicker recovery at the end of an aerobic session.

The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) - the only body recognized for Aerobic Gymnastics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International World Games Association (IWGA) - has included and developed this sports discipline in its General Gymnastics activities since the latter half of the 1980s.

It is difficult to determine the number of people practising Aerobic Gymnastics, but in Brazil alone half a million people participate. Other countries, in which this sport is also popular, are: China Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, Romania and other European countries.

In 1994, the FIG Congress decided to organise World Championships and to structure aerobics similar to its other competitive sports disciplines. The first official World Championships were held 1995 in Paris, when 34 countries took part.

In 1997, the IWGA included Sports Aerobics in the sports programme of the 5th World Games.

The following age groups compete in Aerobic Gymnastics:

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FIG - INTERNATIONAL AGE GROUP COMPETITION STRUCTURE

 

Age
(in year of competition)Age Category Competition Category

9yrs Foundation (UK Only

10-11yrs (UK Only)National Development IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

12-14yrs

Group 1 IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

15-17yrs Group 2IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

18yrs and above Seniors IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

 

The National Aerobics Code is an entry level in the UK ONLY, however athletes new to the sport with an high level of achievement can apply through their coach and club to compete in the FIG.

National Aerobic Code UK ONLY

Age
(in year of competition)Age Category Competition Category

ALL 9year olds Foundation IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

10-11yrs (UK Only)National Development IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

12-14yrs Group 1 IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

15-17yrsGroup 2IW,IM,MP,TR,GR

18yrs and above Seniors IW,IM,MP,TR,GR