The Pioneering Legacy of Dr Cooper: Embrace the Joy of Group Cardio Classes
Discover the extraordinary legacy of Dr Kenneth Cooper, the visionary who revolutionized fitness with his groundbreaking concept of aerobics in the 1960s Uncover his invaluable insights on 21st-century health, as he continues to inspire and promote a fit and active lifestyle
Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program and stop if you feel any pain.
If you ask a younger adult about the history of aerobics, they may not know much about it. However, if you ask someone 50 or older, they might mention Jane Fonda and her popular "Jane Fonda's Workout" series from 1982, which became a best-selling VHS tape.
Dr. Kenneth Cooper pioneered the concept of aerobics, a system of physical conditioning that improves heart health, endurance, and reduces body fat, in the 1960s. He also introduced the term with the publication of his 1968 book "Aerobics." Initially, Cooper faced criticism for promoting exercise.
"In the 1950s and 1960s, exercise was seen as a risky activity," Cooper shared. "I was warned that we would soon see a surge of deceased joggers. I faced a great deal of harsh criticism during the initial years."
Dr. Kenneth Cooper pioneered the concept of aerobics in the 1960s. At 92, Cooper is still working to encourage people to become physically fit.
Courtesy Dr. Kenneth Cooper
That opinion soon changed. Today, Coopernow 92is still hard at work trying to encourage people to become physically fit. Hes head of the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, which he founded in 1970. The center is made up of six health and wellness companies, including a clinic, and The Cooper Institute, a nonprofit research and education center.
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Cooper, the creator of the 12-minute run and FitnessGram PACER tests, is responsible for developing assessments that measure aerobic capacity and fitness. These tests have been widely taken by people around the world, particularly in school gym classes.
In addition to "Aerobics," Cooper has authored over a dozen books and led a 20,000-person study demonstrating the link between increased fitness and reduced instances of dementia. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his lifetime achievements in the fitness industry.
Cooper recently shared his thoughts with CNN on global fitness and health in the 21st century.
This conversation was edited and condensed for clarity.
CNN: What has been one of the most encouraging advancements in the fitness industry over the last 50 years?
Dr. Kenneth Cooper: When my wife, Mildred Cooper, and I wrote "Aerobics for Women" in 1979, there was a debate about whether it was acceptable for women to sweat. That's how challenging it was in those days.
Olympic track champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the women's race of the London Marathon in April.
The increasing number of women marathoners reflects a significant revolution. Historically, women were discouraged from running due to unfounded health concerns. However, this notion has been disproven as nearly half of all marathoners are now women, marking a substantial shift in the sport.
CNN: Despite all of the information available today about the benefits of being physically active, many people are sedentary. How big of a problem is this?
Mature woman weight training in gym
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Cooper: After years of teaching and promoting the idea, I firmly believe that your health is in your hands. It's not up to the government, insurance companies, or even your doctor. No medication can compare to the benefits of staying active.
The World Health Organization reported in October 2022 that there are 500 million people worldwide who are completely sedentary, costing $27 billion annually. It is crucial for people to understand that their future health and well-being are determined by their actions starting now. Why do you believe that so many people overlook this message?
Cooper: "I lack the time, energy, motivation, and money to exercise. I also don't have a place to exercise, and it's not enjoyable."
CNN: How did you help reinstate PE classes in schools after many schools were getting rid of them in the 1980s?
Cooper explained that the results from the FitnessGram test showed that students who scored the highest had better academic performance, lower absenteeism, and less involvement in gang activities. This led to the passing of Senate Bill 530 in 2007, which made physical education mandatory in Texas schools. When asked about "Cooperizing" the world, he elaborated on his efforts to bring about positive changes and improvements.
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Cooper recommends the following for better fitness:
1. Maintain a body weight between 18 and 25 on the BMI (body mass index) scale
2. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week
3. Make healthy food choices
4. Avoid tobacco in any form
5. Control your alcohol intake
6. Manage the stress in your life
7. Get regular physical exams
8. Take the right supplements for your needs
CNN: What is your typical exercise routine and how often do you work out?
Cooper: I typically exercise five days a week. For instance, one day I spent 45 minutes on a recumbent bike and about 10 minutes on circuit weight training using three or four machines. After that, I walked my two dogs for about 15 minutes, covering an average of a mile to a mile and a half. So, I make sure to include at least an hour of aerobic activity, along with weight training, into my routine at least five days a week.
CNN: Do you really need that much exercise at 92?
Cooper: Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Youve got to keep it up the rest of your life. You cant just get it and store it.
Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance writer who specializes in hiking, travel and fitness.
