AeroJam 3, the latest addition to the AeroJam series takes the heat
fusing Latin and punk with movement concentrated on muscle
groups in the tummy, hips and thighs. It retains pattern,
beat and moves of Aero Jam 2 but it is more
complicated and strenuous needing
close supervision between
aero instructor and
students.
What makes Aero Jam a divergence from conventional aerobics is that it does away with continuous single-track music. The Aero Jam is choreographed in 12 tracks with customized choreography for each track. It adheres to most of conventional high-low aerobics routine yet in execution, these tend to get lost in the blend of Latin, punk and body wave.
The one-hour workout begins with warm-up and stretching for some 10 minutes followed with the 45-minute Aero Jam proper before the five-minute cool down. Unlike conventional aerobics where music and steps are predictable, Aero Jam was especially designed to promote diversity, agility and complexity. These make patience a virtue for aerobics instructors imparting the routine.
For each of the 12 tracks there can be as many as four patterns and sometimes more. Switches in footwork could take a long time to learn for beginners unless steps are taught movement per movement and segment per segment. Even advance students with years in competing will take time to get familiar. The routine is upbeat but without close, gradual and systematic supervision from aerobics instructors, the routine could tire students unnecessarily.
Aero Jam is more than just knowing how to dance. It is more a discipline of knowing how to teach dancing. Effective and patient aerobics instructors who are discerning about the moods and pulse of their students know how to make the dance understandable, adaptable and enjoyable. Moving tummies, hips and thighs in harmony has surefire ways of fighting and easing out stress in the brain and nerves. Improper teaching though can make the dance a strain and the routine a pain.