Welcome to the Cooper Fitness Center Pro Zone! This monthly blog post will be the place to learn all about our Cooper Fitness Center sports professionals, the programs they offer and how sports training can benefit you. From tennis, swimming and basketball to boxing and martial arts, we have a pro for you!
Whether you’re looking to add a new level to your workout routine, participate in a group exercise program or enhance existing athletic skills, you’ll accomplish your goals with our pros. Get to know Mike, Corey, Derrick, Marni, Andre and Coleman below:
Mike Proctor, Martial Arts Pro: 45+ years of 
experience
Q: How did you begin practicing martial arts?
A: I began practicing the martial ways as a child growing up in a U.S. military household. In 1962, I began to take lessons in various styles of the arts.
Q: For those setting health and fitness resolutions, what is your number one tip for success?
A: Each New Year brings reflections of the past and visions of the future, along with a body that is a year older. It is never too late to challenge yourself with new activities and a healthier lifestyle.
Q: What is one thing you wish everybody knew about martial arts?
A: Martial arts demand focus and dependability. These are two aspects of character essential to meet any challenge, whether set by oneself or by life. To quote Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up.” It worked for Great Britain in 1940, and it will work for you in 2016!
Corey Noel, Tennis Pro: 10+ years of experience 
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching tennis?
A: I love teaching tennis because it’s a lifelong sport. It’s my biggest passion and I love seeing the enjoyment on players’ faces when they learn a new skill or see improvement in their game.
Q: For those setting health and fitness resolutions, what is your number one tip for success?
A: Set achievable, concrete goals. Ideas such as “lose weight” or “eat healthier” are positive goals, but are difficult to achieve and measure. Setting specific week-to-week or even day-to-day goals are easier to achieve and keep you in line with what you’re aiming for overall.
Q: How do you define good sportsmanship?
A: I define good sportsmanship as playing the game with integrity and common courtesy, much the same way we should all try to live our lives. It means giving your opponent the benefit of the doubt, recognizing that fun should be the primary goal of any sport and playing each game or match to the best of your abilities and with maximum effort.
Derrick James, Boxing Pro: 35+ years of experience 
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching boxing?
A: I enjoy the interaction I have with my clients and members – they are always eager to learn and to work hard.
Q: Who was the primary influence when you were introduced to boxing, and who is your greatest role model?
A: My mother and my boxing coach are my biggest influences, and also my role models. They always had high standards and I didn’t ever want to disappoint them.
Q: How do you define good sportsmanship?
A: A good sport is someone who is able to take a loss with the same grace as they embrace and enjoy a victory.
Marni Kerner, Swim Pro: 15+ years of experience 
Q: What is your favorite thing about Cooper?
A: There are so many things I love about Cooper! Perhaps at the top of my list is knowing I am part of a community that is surrounded by the most amazing resources for health and fitness knowledge, opportunities and experience.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching swimming?
A: I love teaching confidence in the water. I believe it carries over into other aspects of life. Swimming can be very technical and challenging, so I often see a growing sense of pride alongside skill improvement, which leads to the health benefits swimming can provide. I am also happy to know I am teaching a lifelong sport and perhaps lifesaving skills.
Q: Who is your favorite role model, and why is he or she important to you?
A: My father is an amazing role model. At almost 80 years of age, he portrays a Cooperized lifestyle. He stays fit with daily exercise, including swimming!
Andre Vahdat, Assistant Tennis Pro: 10+ years of experience
Q: What is one thing you wish everyone knew about tennis?
A: Tennis is incredibly beneficial for the health of your body. It is a full body workout that you can do from your young years all the way to your senior years. It’s a great aerobic exercise that keeps your heart healthy.
Q: When did you begin playing tennis?
A: I began playing tennis at the age of 8. I would play with my parents just for fun.
Q: Are you right or left handed?
A: Right
Q: Who would you like to play tennis against most?
A: My son. When the time comes, he can challenge me!
Coleman Crawford, Basketball Pro: 40 years of experience 
Q: For those setting health and fitness resolutions, what is your number one tip for success?
A: I would suggest people set attainable goals, be consistent with efforts to achieve those goals and listen to your body throughout the entire process. Always pay close attention to your health.
Q: What are some of your favorite basketball memories?
A: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball games…and meeting Michael Jordan!
Q: If you could train in another sport under another sports pro, what would it be?
A: Boxing with CFC Boxing Pro Derrick James.
Tune in for more information and news about Cooper Fitness Center Sports Pros at cooperfitnesscenter.com/ProZone.
Cooper Aerobics Blog 
I’m happy to read this article very informative. I am very thankful to you author for sharing this. Keep it up!