Healthy Aging Tips from the “Father of Aerobics” [Podcast Series]
[:55] Dr. Bantham introduces her guest, Dr. Kenneth Cooper
Dr. Kenneth Cooper is the “Father of Aerobics.”
He is the Founder of The Cooper Institute and Founder and Chairman at the Cooper Aerobics Center.
[1:09] Getting the whole family moving
“When we're growing up, my wife and I would run on Sunday afternoons with Berkley and Tyler, run through the neighborhood. We were famous in the neighborhood for the family that run together. I used to say the family runs together stays together. And we've done that after all these years.”
[4:00] Debunking fitness myths
“And primary care is secondary care. We practice primary care. Our goal is to keep you healthy. And we've been able to show this fascinating note that you can grow healthier as you grow older, not necessarily the reverse. That's one of those myths that we had.”
[15:25] Training healthcare providers to talk to patients about movement
“So I'm working hard to get these to physicians and to give this to medical schools to try to bridge that gap between a lack of knowledge.”
[19:24] Career successes
“I'm still working out regularly. I do exercise, you asked about that. I had to stop jogging in 2004. But I didn't stop exercising because again, fitness is a journey not a destination to keep up the rest of your life.”
[23:42] Moving to live longer, live better
“I've had hundreds of letters from people telling me I wish I'd known 20 years ago how much better I could feel. But once I got in shape and followed your recommendations, I felt the best I've ever felt in my life. Do you want to enjoy that type of life you're now maximizing your feelings and feeling good, you're not depressed, you're enthusiastic.”
[30:10] Healthy aging tips
“If you have the time not to exercise, then make time to be sick.”
Dr. Cooper advocates the following aerobic-strength training balance:
If you’re 40 years old or younger, devote 80 percent of your workout time to aerobic training and 20 percent to strength training.
If you’re 41 to 50 years old, shift to 70 percent aerobic and 30 percent strength work.
If you’re 51 to 60, do 60 percent aerobic exercise and 40 percent strength training.
After you pass 60, divide your workout time more evenly between the two strategies – while still giving an edge to aerobic exercise, which provides the most health benefits: 55 percent aerobic work and 45 percent strength work.
