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Cooper Aerobics and KGS Bikes Team Up for Cycling Program

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08/11/2008

Changing trends in adult active lifestyles prompts addition of products, services and protocols to benefit professionals who live to ride

Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, the "father of aerobics" and chairman of Cooper Aerobics Center, has logged over 38,000 miles as a runner in his lifetime, and continues to exercise at age 77. As such, the world-famous Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas promotes healthy, active lifestyles. The aging of Baby Boomers and the advent of bicycling as "the new golf" has prompted a new partnership between Cooper Aerobics Center and KGS Bikes to provide services and programs for the recreational cyclist.

KGS Bikes, the world's premiere bicycle fitting studio and high-end cycling boutique in San Antonio, Texas, has been working with Cooper Clinic, Cooper Fitness Center and Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements to meet the specialized needs of bicyclists. They have developed programs that deliver bicycle fitting, technique consulting, strength assessment and conditioning programs, as well as nutritional supplementation, to help adult cyclists get the most from the sport.

The Cooper/KGS Bikes Fitting Lab
KGS Bikes travels to Cooper Aerobics Center – Dallas to perform bike fittings on clients twice a month. Kevin Saunders, president of KGS Bikes, says, "I have developed a 'life-changing' system to fit bicycles to people that is completely tailored to an individual, taking into consideration height, weight, flexibility, fitness, strength, and riding style. I am thrilled to be able to combine my expertise with Cooper Aerobics Center, which I consider the gold standard of excellence."

The sophisticated, cutting-edge process provides a cyclist with the exact position their body needs in order to ride more comfortably and efficiently. The Lab consists of a state-of-the-art stationary bicycle that can be adjusted in all dimensions. The device has an integrated power meter and can reproduce dynamically the amount of effort that is needed to ride on the road. The device also monitors a person's heart rate to measure increased power.

Advanced video analysis is also part of the fitting process to document a rider's "before" and "after" positions. Saunders adds, "We help the rider see themselves in a different light. Our video analysis assists in providing instant feedback to quickly improve form and technique. It also acts as a biofeedback device to reinforce good habits so they can be transferred to the road."

The Cooper/KGS Bikes Fitting Lab is located inside Cooper Guest Lodge. "Ideally, riders would bring their bicycle, cycling clothing and shoes," Saunders says. "But I can develop the same results with or without the rider's own bicycle. Our system works well for local residents or those traveling from out of town."

Cooper Clinic Adds Targeted Examinations for Cyclists
Tedd Mitchell, MD, president and CEO of Cooper Clinic states, "Our depth and breadth of examination and testing services is the best the industry has to offer. By teaming with KGS Bikes we are able to instantly provide the same level of new services to cyclists that we currently offer to runners."

Cooper Clinic is creating targeted examination packages that specifically help the cyclist learn physical strengths and weaknesses as they pertain to the sport of cycling. Dr. Mitchell adds, "Since bicycling is such a specific sport and is so healthy a pursuit for active adults, we want to set the standard for the future in testing and examinations. We know what the adult athlete needs to get to the next level and now we can provide it."

Additional plans are to work together to develop an examination protocol that uses a special stationary bicycle instead of a treadmill for physical exams. Dr. Mitchell says, "Cyclists that use a treadmill for their stress tests can perform admirably, however they will experience soreness after the test because they are cyclists, not runners. We want to improve the experience of our exams so more people will see the value and take control of their health."

Cyclists can schedule a physical examination and bicycle fitting by calling Cooper Clinic in Dallas at 972-560-2667.

Cooper Fitness Center Cyclist Training Program
"I assessed the KGS Bikes 'Life Changing' system and found that experience lives up to the Cooper standard," says Clayton Arhelger, VP and general manager of Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, and an over-40 avid cyclist. "I was able to improve my comfort as well as my overall speed and efficiency on the bike. I know others will benefit greatly from better positioning on the bicycle, which will add many more years of riding with comfort and safety."

As part of the comprehensive fitting and customized clinic exam, cyclists can also participate in a strength program at Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas. It includes a functional assessment; four, one-hour functional strength training sessions; one nutrition consultation; and a four-week membership to Cooper Fitness Center for $675. To find out more information or to join the program, call 972-233-4832.

Cyclists and Nutritional Supplements
The partnership with Cooper Concepts, maker of Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements, further supports the needs of the executive cyclist. Todd Whitthorne, president and CEO of Cooper Concepts states, "Cyclists exercise for longer than runners and consume tremendous amounts of oxygen as well as airborne pollutants. The anti-oxidants in our supplements make a huge difference in the overall health of athletes and cyclists in particular." Saunders adds, "We encourage all our clients to consider supplementation. The Cooper Complete products are the best I have seen." Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements are available online at coopercomplete.com and at Cooper Fitness Center.



About KGS Bikes
KGS Bikes is known around the world as the premiere bicycle fitting studio and cycling boutique. Kevin Saunders, President, has over 25 years experience in bicycle fitting and high-end bicycles. He also has a broad knowledge of anatomy, structural engineering and industrial design. In addition to fitting services, KGS Bikes sells bicycles from Parlee, Serotta, Zinn, Co-Motion and Guru. They also feature Lew wheels, custom shoes by Rocket7 and the best available components from around the world. Call 210-849-2501 or visit kgsbikes.com for more information, including beautiful photography of the bikes carefully created for their owners.