The word aerobics probably makes you think of a group fitness class where people perform coordinated movements to music. Over the years aerobics classes have evolved to incorporate steps (step aerobics) and martial arts (aerobic kickboxing). But who created aerobic dance, and when did it become popular? Aerobic dancing was created and made popular in the early 1970s by a woman named Jacki Sorensen. Richard Simmons took over the role as the aerobic dancing king in the early 1980s, while Jane Fonda established herself as the aerobics queen. In the early 1990s, Billy Blanks made Tae-Bo (aerobic kickboxing) popular. Fitness professionals will continue to use their creativity to produce new types of aerobic dance classes that get people moving. Maybe that fitness professional is you!
