Correcting the Excess Forward Lean During the Squat

A common movement pattern deviation observed during the squat is the excessive torso lean. This misalignment in form is often the result of weak back extensors (erector spinae) and hips. Learn more......

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Dietary Carbohydrate: Facts and Misconceptions

Many people have misconceptions regarding dietary carbohydrate. Rather than being the villain as portrayed in several off-the-wall popular diets, carbohydrate is actually essential for human survival, optimal bodily function, and disease prevention. However, it is very important to distinguish between the two major types of dietary carbohydrate; simple and complex. In this blog, we will take a careful look at facts and common misconceptions about carbohydrates. We also provide links to several previous blogs related to this topic....

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Update on The Cooper Institute® Certified Personal Trainer Exam

The Cooper Institute continuously completes internal procedures in compliance with NCCA standards in order to maintain accreditation. Over the past 14 months, exam development processes have resulted in an updated CI-CPT exam that will be launched on June 1, 2017....

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Des Moines Public Schools and FitnessGram

Acquiring the ideal setup of roster integration with the FitnessGram software is key to streamlining and minimizing time spent managing rosters. With the right technology and support, importing FitnessGram rosters can become an efficient and smooth process that meets the needs of physical education teachers. Des Moines Public Schools shares their unique solution using Infinite Campus....

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New Studies Bolster Existing Support for Whole Grains!

When it comes to grains, misinformation abounds, particularly in how grains are processed for consumer consumption. The basic understanding between grains and whole grains means a world of difference. As September is Childhood Obesity Awareness month, it’s important to reflect on this important distinction and evaluate whether you and your family are truly eating for optimal health. Read on for The Cooper Institute’s Dr. Steve Farrell’s keen insights into this critically important dietary component....

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Back-Saver Strategies

Low back pain, injury, and other back disorders may be the most pressing orthopedic health problem in modern America. The exercise strategies performed in this Fit Tip can be utilized to improve the strength of the back muscles, specifically the erector spinae....

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Appropriate Warm-Up. Leave the “Old School” Thoughts Behind.

What is your preferred method of warming students up for activity? Running laps, jumping jacks, or static stretching? Your answer should be “none of the above”. This fit tip is going to focus on the appropriate way to get the body ready for physical activity....

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Cooper-Ready

Dr. Jeremy Lyon joins The Cooper Institute as the first president of the Cooper Youth Division. Lyon spent 31 years in the public education sector, advancing from teacher to coach then on to principal, and for the last 14 years as a superintendent. Most recently, Lyon helmed the Frisco Independent School District in Texas, one of the highest performing, fastest growing school districts in the nation. Lyon shares his vision for the future, building a healthier generation, and being Cooper-Ready....

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NFL Play 60 FitnessGram Project Champions Summit

The Cooper Institute® hosted its annual NFL Play 60 FitnessGram® Project Champion Summit in Dallas with some very special guests including Champions from 18 different NFL markets. The special event featured professional development training, guests from Fuel Up to Play 60 and the American Heart Association, and a special dinner at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys' World Headquarters in Frisco. The dinner also welcomed special NFL guests including former players Tommie Harris, Jacob Lacey, Shaun Smith and current NFL player Valerian Ume-Ezeoke for an all-star evening. Read on to learn more about the Summit, the program, and our impact on youth health....

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New Evidence that Following the Mediterranean Eating Plan Decreases the Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke!

With so many different diet plans and opinions floating around, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to what constitutes healthful eating. A large European study published in the world-renowned New England Journal of Medicine bolsters support for the Mediterranean Eating Plan....

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Can 1 Minute of All-Out Exercise 3 Days a Week Improve Your Cardiovascular Fitness and Blood Glucose/Insulin Levels?

High-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT or sprint interval training (SIT), involves alternating short bouts of maximal intensity effort with low intensity recovery periods within the same workout. One appealing aspect of SIT workouts is that they do not last nearly as long as traditional 'steady state' workouts where the individual maintains a constant level of moderate intensity from start to finish....

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Preventing the Nuisance of Shin Splints

Shin splints is a generalized term for pain on the front edge of the shin bone. Shin splints are common in runners, dancers, military recruits, activities requiring bursts of speed or sudden stops, individuals who have increased exercise duration/frequency/intensity, and those exercising on uneven surfaces. Learn more......

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