founded less than 50 years, aerobics is one of the youngest sports to date - invented by dr. kenneth cooper as an exercise to help the general public get healthy, it did not officially become a sport until 1983 when sport fitness international was created. the intention behind the organization was to take aerobics to a competitive level.

1990 was a pivotal year for competitive aerobics - san diego, ca hosted the first annual sport aerobics championship - sixteen nations competed in the event. later, the association of national aerobic champions (anac) was formed as the premier governing body for future competitions  

individuals compare aerobic competitions to gymnastics, and it is often called aerobic gymnastics