About Us - Cooper Institute

About Us

Working for the best preventive medicine solutions
Well. Into The Future®.

Who We Are

The Cooper Institute (CI), established in 1970, is a 501.c.3. nonprofit research and education organization dedicated globally to preventive medicine. The Institute’s founder, Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., the “Father of Aerobics,” was an Air Force physician who became interested in the role of exercise in preserving health. When he published his first best seller, Aerobics, in 1968, he introduced a new word and was the spark for millions to become active.

CI is leading the world to ideal health now and well, into the future. Join with us to improve the world’s health.

What We Do

The Cooper Institute’s work is diverse and focuses on advancing preventive health practices for children and adults. Our scientific and education assets serve as the foundation for all we do:

What We Do

Data

We maintain the largest database with an objective measure of fitness - Cooper Center Longitudinal Study (CCLS). Research using these data has affected much of our country’s public health policy.

Research

In partnership with researchers from Stanford University, UT Southwestern Medical Center, UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth, University of North Texas, and others, Cooper Institute scientists conduct research in heart, metabolic, brain, musculoskeletal, and children's health.

Health Promotion

Every week CI staff provide the latest advice and tips on weight management through our blog at downloadable tools and calculators available at no cost through the generous donation of a previous donor.

Youth Initiatives

CI offers FITNESSGRAM (FG) and is currently developing NUTRIGRAM (NG) for schools. These are web-based assessment tools used to track and report on fitness and nutrition.

Teaching