Aerobics are composed of a system of exercises to prevent sickness, that was first developed by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, a physician in San Antonio Air Force Hospital in Texas. After Dr. Cooper wrote and published his book on aerobics, in 1968, Jackie Sorenson developed the dance exercises known as aerobic dance. This dance would improve overall cardiovascular fitness. The number of the United States' citizens that participated in aerobic dance, was about 6 million in 1978, compared to nineteen million in 1987. In 1983, Howard and Karen Schwartz invented a new competitive sport, which they called sport aerobics. In 1984, Sport Fitness International, had the credit of organizing the first aerobic championship competition. In the beginning, sport aerobics started featuring competitions with only 3 competitors, and in 2002 the competition included six athletes. The competitors were to do a 1 minute and forty-five second routine, that they performed with music. In 1996, sport aerobics was officially known as a Gymnastic discipline. There are many different benefits of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise impulses the heart, and the rest of the circulatory system. This pushes the system further than the easy pace of other everyday activities. The stress requires the body to adapt, which causes many changes that benefit in a lot of ways. Health benefits obtained from aerobic exercises help regulate weight, and also limits the opportunities of developing many illnesses and diseases. More important benefits are that it decreases the risk of developing diabetes, it helps reduce and regulate the body fat, and it helps in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Generally, aerobics burn fat. Doing aerobic exercises provides a long, healthy life, and happiness. It increases a positive attitude, and modifies an outlook on life. Doing aerobic exercises regularly, will force the heart to gradually enlarge, and it is important to always target heart rate.