Warming Up for Aerobics to '80s Music

Series Summary

The term aerobic means "with air" in biological sciences, but it was first used to talk about exercise by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, of the San Antonio Air Force Hospital. He designated “aerobics” as the name for a system of moderate-intensity, long-duration exercise he employed to prevent coronary artery disease. It is appropriate nomenclature given that the exercises are designed to condition the lungs to more effectively use oxygen and to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Cooper’s 1968 book, Aerobics, was popular even before the 1980s fad of exercising to music began. For those who choose to use it, aerobics is an important part of fighting heart disease and obesity.

In this free online video series you will learn basic floor aerobics from fitness specialist Mandy Muenzer. Mandy will show you moves like the grapevine and the pony alongside simpler steps like rocking left, pulling, and reaching to the sky, referred to as “reaching for love.” Beyond the individual moves, Mandy takes you through a basic routine, laying out the steps in order and then trying out the complete set to your favorite 80s music! She also includes tips on taking your pulse, what to do if you want to become an aerobics instructor, and how to select a local gym.

Video Transcript

"Hi, I am Mandy Mensor with expertvilliage.com. I am your floor aerobics expert and today we are going to focus on the 80's. I have been an instructor for 5 years at UCLA teaching everything from step aerobics strength, spin, sports conditioning and of course floor aerobics. Let's get ready to work it out. We are going to start with a side step. That's right keep it moving, have fun with it, and roll those shoulders out. All right get that back warmed up, make sure we can reach high to the sky when we are doing our workout. And roll them forward, and get ready we are going to do heel digs with a low row, Touch that heel to the floor, bring those elbows back, squeezing those shoulder blades together. Good, keep it here, four, three, two, one."