Changing The World's Exercise Habits: A History Of Dr. Kenneth Cooper's Fitness Missionaries

Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, often called the Father of Aerobics, developed an exercise system in the late 1960s that revolutionized the exercise habits of America and the whole world. He is the visionary who created the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, Texas, (the mission), and developed a high-energy staff (his team of missionaries) committed to spreading his mission of health and wellbeing worldwide. The Cooper Institute was established to conduct research into the effects of fitness and exercise on a person’s overall wellbeing, and then to transfer that knowledge into educational and other outreach service programs which could be a positive force for health through the world.

This unique memoir is the fascinating story of Dr. Cooper’s mission to help people develop a physically active lifestyle that would have profound implications for their health and wellbeing, and encourage a fuller and longer life. Not intended to be a comprehensive history, it is the story of the process, and of the highly diverse group of fitness and health professionals from different backgrounds and skills who came together to make it happen. The memoir contains the reflections of Dr. Tom Collingwood, Roger Reynolds, M.A. and Dr. John Poteet, telling of their personal experiences in the many projects and services they were involved in over their thirty-five years at the Cooper Institute. 

Adult fitness exercisers and fitness professionals who are interested in learning more about how helping others to be physically active can translate to a variety of human benefits, this book is for you. 

Over the past 50 years the Cooper Institute has published over 700 peer-reviewed articles in a variety of highly respected medical journals. Additionally, the Cooper Institute possesses the largest data base in the world in regards to physical fitness, exercise and well-being.

Roger D. Reynolds, M.A. was born in 1940 in London, Ohio. He attended Bowling Green State University on an athletic scholarship, earning a BS in health and physical education. Roger also received a distinguished ROTC military graduate recognition. Following college, Roger played in the NFL with the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals. His NFL career was interrupted for his service as an Army infantry officer. After retiring from football, he continued his education at Western Michigan University, graduating with an MA in health and physical education. He then began teaching and coaching at the elementary, middle school, high school, and university levels, with an emphasis on fitness, health, and wellness. His 45-year career included corporate, law enforcement, military, clinical, educational medical, and serving as a professional instructor for thousands of personal trainer certifications. Roger concluded his career working at the world renowned Cooper Institute for 39 years. Roger is a highly-requested national speaker. He has presented lectures, workshops, training seminars, and keynote addresses to over 2,000 audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is a member of London High School and Bowling Green State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the President's Counsel on Physical Fitness and Sports, United States Secret Service Training Award, New York State Teachers Outstanding Service Award, Texas Tactical Police Officers Association, Michiana area Chamber of Commerce man of the year, U.S. Customs Training Award, U.S. Army Outstanding Service Award, and is the recipient of the distinguished Dr. Richard Bohannon award as the outstanding Cooper Institute employee. Roger has published local, state, and national news articles related to physical fitness, corporate fitness and wellness. He has also co-authored national research publications, and has appeared on local, state, and national news media outlets. He is married and the father of four children and six grandchildren.

Tom Collingwood Ph.D. is a nationally recognized leader in the field of physical fitness and outdoor education. He holds degrees in both exercise science and psychology. He developed the Continuing Education Division of the Cooper Institute and has trained thousands of fitness leaders worldwide. He has law enforcement experience as an MP with the 82nd Airborne Division, a police psychologist with the Dallas Police Department, and the training director for the Kentucky Justice Department. He is also a past YMCA director, and has held academic positions at two universities. Over the years, Tom has implemented many exercise and outdoor education/camping programs for inner city at-risk youth. He was a primary fitness consultant for the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, The International Association of Chiefs of Police, and with the U.S. Army. He instituted outdoor education programs as a Master Naturalist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, as a volunteer ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park, and as a hike master for the YMCA of the Rockies. He also provides programs linking stewardship of nature and stewardship of the body (fitness) from a faith perspective for CREATIO, an apostolate of the Christian Life Movement. He is the recipient of the Healthy American Fitness Leader award as one of the ten outstanding physical fitness leaders in the nation. He has authored ten books and over 100 publications in the field.

John Poteet, Ed.D. is an educator with 49 years of teaching experience. He was born in 1929 in West, Texas, and attended Baylor University where he earned both a BS and MS in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER). His educational was interrupted for nearly four years while he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. After receiving his MS, he worked as an instructor in the HPER Department at Baylor, after which he accepted a position as the coordinator of physical education, PE teacher, and swim coach in the San Angelo Independent School District in Texas. He then joined the faculty in the HPER Department at the University of Texas at El Paso. He has received the Honor Award for exemplary service from the Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and has served as president of the Association. In 1977 he received his Ed.D. degree in Exercise Physiology and Educational Psychology from the University of North Texas in Denton. In 1982 he became Associate Director of Continuing Education at The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research during which time he trained hundreds of fitness leaders throughout the United States before retiring in 2004. At the age of 92, John is still teaching by example as he continues to participate in a program of sensible, purposeful physical activity designed to enhance longevity, functionality, general health, and joy.