What is slide aerobics?

Author unknown.
2013-09-29

This complex of strength and aerobic exercises has been actively used since 1993. Special mats with a sliding surface are used for training. Participants imitate various movements of skiers, speed skaters, and figure skaters on it. The key aspects of slide aerobics are mainly the lateral movements of the inner and outer thigh muscle groups.

Typically, slide aerobics sessions last for 30 minutes. The load on the slide is quite serious, and very few can endure it for more than 45 minutes.

Description of the Slide

In the aerobic part of the training process, a special board—slide—is used. The slide is 180 cm long and slightly more than half a meter wide. The surface is made from rubber polymer. This allows for smooth sliding during sessions. It is necessary to wear special synthetic covers over sneakers when training on such a mat. It is not recommended to practice barefoot or just in sneakers on the slide. Moreover, the slide has the necessary resistance, making the training process effective. Special ramps are located at the edges of the board, allowing for braking and pushing off.

When first stepping onto the slide, many feel quite unsteady, to say the least. However, this feeling gradually fades, and one begins to feel more confident while practicing slide aerobics.

Who is Suitable for Slide Aerobics?

1. Primarily, healthy young people with a significant supply of vitality and tone engage in slide workouts. With this type of training, you can easily get rid of excess weight—from 5 to 15 kilograms. The waist and thighs can be reduced by 5 to 15 centimeters. Anyone dissatisfied with their proportions can easily resolve their issues with the help of slide aerobics.

2. Slide aerobics is ideal for people with coordination issues.

3. It is also well-suited for those who have weight problems. The thing is, it is very difficult and harmful for overweight people to jump or run. These activities impose a significant load not only on the heart but also on the calves, feet, and the entire body. By using slide aerobics, one can not only lose excess weight but also avoid excessive strain during workouts.

Slide aerobics helps shed not only excess weight. Practicing it can build strength. Strength exercises effectively train the heart. The constant movement on the mat keeps you actively engaged without allowing you to stop during short breaks, maximizing the training of the cardiovascular system. This facilitates calorie burning and strengthens the muscles of both the upper and lower body.

Who Should Avoid Slide Aerobics?

Slide training is considered quite injury-prone. Before deciding to practice slide aerobics, it is necessary to consult with your physician.

However, it is also important to warn people with back and musculoskeletal issues: they are strictly prohibited from engaging in this type of sport.

Those who start practicing slide aerobics often experience sprains and strains. Therefore, it is strongly discouraged to conduct classes on your own. At a minimum, it is advisable to first familiarize yourself with the basic training course before starting sessions guided by an experienced instructor.

Basic Exercises

• Standing at the left ramp of the slide, slightly bend your knees. Keep your feet together, with your back slightly bent forward. Push off and take two steps to the right. Bring your feet together again at the right ramp. Return to the starting position.
• Perform a single slide along the slide. At this time, bend your arms in front and extend them along your body.
• Make a movement where one foot touches the ramp, and the other must touch the front of the slide with its toe.
• While touching the ramp with one foot, lift the knee of the other leg up. This is called a basic slide.
• Starting the basic slide, without bending the knee, finish by swinging the other leg to the side. At the same time, make lateral and downward arm swings.

These are quite simple movements of slide aerobics. More complex movements will be demonstrated by your instructor.