Episode 122: Discover the Power of Aerobics: Insights from the Father of Aerobics, Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper

Visibly Fit with Wendie Pett

This podcast episode features Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the father of aerobics and a pioneer in preventative medicine. The episode starts by talking about the importance of heart and lung health and promoting the Breather Fit device. The podcast is brought to you by Breather Fit, and listeners can get a discount by using the promo code VISIBLYFIT.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the father of aerobics, discusses his faith, the inspiration behind the Cooper Aerobic Center, the importance of preventive medicine, and the impact of exercise on health. He shares success stories of patients who have improved their health through aerobics and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to exercise. Dr. Cooper also discusses the challenges he has faced in promoting aerobics and his vision for the future of the Cooper Aerobic Center.

Takeaways

• Faith plays a significant role in Dr. Cooper's life and has guided his career in preventive medicine.
• Exercise is a powerful tool for preventing disease and improving overall health.
• Aerobics should be combined with other forms of exercise, such as strength training, for optimal health benefits.
• Taking a gradual approach to exercise and listening to your body is important to avoid injury.
• The Cooper Aerobic Center has had a significant impact on preventive medicine and continues to promote the importance of exercise and healthy living.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Visibly Fit Podcast

00:39 Breather Fit Device for Lung Health

02:00 Guest Introduction

05:50 Dr. Cooper's Faith

08:30 Hall of Fame Award and Marriage

09:55 Inspiration for Cooper Aerobic Center

12:00 How Much Exercise is Enough?

14:11 Misconceptions about Aerobics

15:30 Comprehensive Examinations at Cooper Aerobic Center

17:50 Challenges in Promoting Aerobics

22:20 Success Stories at Cooper Aerobic Center

25:48 Dr. Cooper's Workout Routine

28:30 Thoughts About Isometrics

29:48 Incorporating Aerobics into Daily Routine

31:30 Challenges in Promoting Aerobics

35:20 Transition and Future of Cooper Aerobic Center

36:33 Divine Intervention and Impact

40:00 Final thoughts

Resources mentioned:

Cooper Aerobics Website: https://www.cooperaerobics.com/

Breather Fit: Use promo code VISIBLYFIT for a discount - save $12

Connect with today's guest:

Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH

Cooper Aerobics, Founder and Chairman

Cooper Clinic, Preventive Medicine Physician

Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, preventive medicine pioneer and “father of aerobics,” introduced the concept of exercising in pursuit of good health when he launched the worldwide phenomenon of Aerobics, in 1968 — his first of 19 books on health and fitness. His latest book, Start Strong, Finish Strong, is a collaboration with his son, Tyler Cooper, MD, MPH.

During Dr. Cooper’s 13 years of service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, he served as a flight surgeon and director of the Aerospace Medical Laboratory in San Antonio. He dreamed of becoming an astronaut and worked with the National Aeronautics Space Administration to help create the conditioning program preparing America’s astronauts for space and the in-flight anti-deconditioning program used to keep astronauts active while onboard spacecraft.

He also developed the 12-minute and 1.5-mile fitness tests and the Aerobics Point System. Having coined the term “aerobics” in 1968, his definition was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1986. In 2002, he collaborated with PepsiCo to eliminate trans fats from its Frito-Lay snack line.

Over the past 50 years, Dr. Cooper has proven fitness is a vital sign through research preventive medicine, and wellness services. He remains dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of people’s lives.

Today Dr. Cooper is the founder and chairman of CooperAerobics Center in Dallas, the home of six health and wellness companies and a non-profit research center called The Cooper Institute. At 92 years of age, his current focus – in addition to seeing patients weekly –is working to help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in schools and prevent COVID-19 with increased levels of vitamin D.

Dr. Cooper received his bachelor of science and medical degrees from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of public health degree from Harvard School of Public Health. He is board-certified in preventive medicine.

P.S. If you're just checking out the show to see if it's a good fit for you, welcome!

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