The Evolution of Aerobics: A Conversation with Dr. Kenneth Cooper
Dr. Kenneth Cooper, pioneer of aerobics, shares his thoughts on fitness and health in the 21st century.
The Pioneering of Aerobics
The concept of aerobic exercise, which focuses on increasing heart health, boosting endurance, and reducing body fat, was actually pioneered by Dr. Kenneth Cooper in the 1960s. Initially, Cooper faced criticism for encouraging exercise, as it was considered dangerous at the time. However, that opinion soon changed, and Cooper is now 92 years old and still actively promoting physical fitness.
Cooper founded the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas in 1970, which consists of various health and wellness companies and a nonprofit research and education center called The Cooper Institute. He has also developed popular fitness assessments, such as the 12-minute run and FitnessGram PACER tests.
Throughout his career, Cooper has authored numerous books and conducted groundbreaking studies, including one that showed the association between increased fitness and lowered instances of dementia.
Positive Developments in Fitness
According to Cooper, one of the most positive developments in fitness over the past 50 years is the increasing number of women participating in marathon races. In the past, women were discouraged from running due to outdated beliefs. However, now almost half of marathoners are women, highlighting a significant change in societal attitudes towards female participation in sports.
Cooper acknowledges the availability of information about the benefits of physical activity but emphasizes that many people still lead sedentary lifestyles. He believes that individuals themselves are responsible for their own health and that no drug can replace the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Overcoming Barriers to Exercise
Cooper identifies common barriers to exercise using the acronym "TEMMPF" which stands for Time, Energy, Motivation, Money, Place, and Fun. These factors often discourage people from engaging in physical activity. However, he emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their own health and making choices that prioritize exercise.
Cooper's efforts to improve physical education in schools were driven by his findings that students who scored higher on fitness assessments performed better academically and had fewer behavioral issues. This led to legislation mandating physical education in Texas schools.
