The New York Times reports that fewer than half of the 300 gyms and health clubs recently surveyed by IDEA offered aerobics classes, and that number continues to decline. Three reasons for that, the Times asserts, are the back problems, hip problems and foot problems now experienced by many who did aerobics religiously in earlier decades. Another reason, of course, is that fitness has become
more sophisticated, with new offerings that work the body in kinder and gentler ways.
Read more about the pain of aerobics past in the New York Times, and tell us about your experience in the comment space below.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, June 1, 2025
I did a lot of aerobics when it was popular, when I was in my 20s or 30s. I am in my late 40s. I don’t have any injuries, thankfully.
I’m a 52 year old female. I have been an aerobics instructor since 1980 and still going at it. My business partner taught high impact all those years doing 500 jumping jacks each session and is now hurting incredibly but still doing high impact. I, on the other hand have always done low impact and mixed it up with some classes of just stretching, some of just muscle work and some just low impact. I am pain free and happy to admit that I have women in their 70’s and 80’s that have exercised with me since 1983 and keep up with me better than younger people.
I believe that it’s not aerobics that have hurt people but the type, frequency and intensity. Warming up, cooling down and stretching while warm is so important. I’m a big believer in stretching. Aerobics loosing popularity? Ask those 70 & 80 year old women in my class that exercise to the Beach boys, Big Band and 50’s music and look like they are in their 60’s.