Cooper Aerobics Center at Craig Ranch

We love Cooper Aerobics. Our entire family can find ways to be fit here, from the weight room to Pilates, Barre and yoga. Our teen boys like the weights, machines, saunas and pool. Overall, we cannot recommend Cooper highly enough. We have been members for 7 years.

I joined this gym in November 2015. It is truly a BEAUTIFUL facility with just about every amenity you can ask for. All you need is a water bottle and work out clothes and you’re set. I do wish they had more «hard core» classes… I’m used to a kick-​a$$ kickboxing and spin classes with loud hardcore music but the classes they do have are pretty good. It is a little suburban middle class so that impacts what they play and how they do it I’m sure.
So far Danny’s spin class on Monday’s and Kennie’s interval class on Thursday’s are my favorites.

Elegant and serene but more my grandmother’s fitness center than mine. Also — the cost is pretty dear even with a schoolteacher discount but the pool is outside and it isn’t ²⁴⁄₇. I pay $ 10 more per month at another facility that is ²⁴⁄₇ and has an incredible indoor pool. Their is also the country club «snooty» atmosphere.
I’d love to visit once in a great while as the scenery is lovely but it doesn’t inspire me to work out anymore.

Every once and a while I have an issue come up with coopers that seems pretty serious but it’s like marriage. We work through it bc I love Coopers too much to leave and know there is no better fitness center out there.

Not sure if there is new management, but the quality has noticeably declined the past year. Examples include steam bath that has not worked consistently for over 9 months. Complaints are typically met with «we are working on it» with few results. Frequently, 1 – 2 or more of 3 seated bikes don’t work. After the school swimming teams complete practice, whirlpool and at steam bath filled with 10 – 15 boys and is unusable. Great facility when equipment is working. My normal work out buddies, all of which were 5+ year members, have cancelled memberships due to current lack of quality control.

By far the best Triathlon training programs and pool facilities in the Metroplex. I have now been a member for 3 years and I could not imagine going back to that place that is open all night. Well done!

I don’t know who Stacy L is (wrote a review 8÷15÷13) but I could have written that myself. 99% of those who work there have completely forgotten that they are in the service industry. I seriously don’t get more than a «Need a locker» from a totally disinterested warm body – not that I need accolades or even a conversation, but a «Goodmorning» is always appropriate, as are basic manners. I get better treatment from teenagers at Chick-​fil-​a.
The sad thing is, I’ve been a member for 4 years and I really was enjoying it. I’m not sure what has changed. I’ve called the manager, but no one has returned my calls. I just called again tonight– we shall see what happens.
The child care has completely changed as well. I actually joined because the childcare was stellar back then. (I don’t know what it says that over half of the staff are leaving in the next few weeks, but all of the folk who are going are the people I have really liked.) It’s also strange to me that the childcare manager has a degree in nutrition and no children– she has even asked me to have my doctor fax over a doctors note to her office. (HIPPA violation, anyone?)
I used to work out at a cheap Gold’s facility in Virginia before we moved here. It far outclassed what is supposed to be the classiest place in north Dallas. :(
Needless to say, my family is taking our money elsewhere unless drastic measures are taken to bring about change. I’m giving it a month… I will report back…
***Update*** The manager called me today, heard all of my concerns graciously, and we will see how it goes. I will post back — Things are looking up.

Beautiful facility. Tons of equipment! When you start your membership, you receive free personal training sessions. That helped me get started and I learned a lot!
The Sunday Zumba class is awesome! Tons of fun!
I joined this club because of the well being support, but also because they have a pool. I wish it was inside, but it is very nice and well maintained.
They are just so expensive and I just can’t afford it anymore…

Bought a week pass while I was in town.
Overall great facility and the spin instructors were good. They definitely kicked my ass. The spin bikes are Keiser — my favorite since they ride really smooth. It seemed clean until I wiped my bike down before riding and all this yellow sludge was on my towels. Gross.
Locker rooms are nice and spacious. Not too crowded.

We cancelled our membership at Cooper after five years for a couple of main reasons — the service level, the ridiculous number of people there who aren’t members, and the hours of operation (we need someplace that opens before 11 on Sundays).
A little bird told me awhile back that this outlet of the Cooper Aerobics dynasty had been sold and was basically just operating under a licensing agreement to use the Cooper name. I don’t know if this is true, but it sure would explain the complete staff turnover and the shift from service and customer focus to maximizing the almighty dollar.
This place now caters to the third-​party outfits offering kid karate classes in the exercise rooms and local high school swim clubs. It drove me crazy to go to Cooper at 9 AM and have to fight for shower, jacuzzi, and counter space with fifteen teenage girls. On school days.
The front desk staff used to be friendly and would even greet us by name. In the past year, Cooper has hired young adults with apparently limited English speaking skills, since they don’t know how to say anything other than «Need a locker?». Just terrible.
And, the pool area is a joke. We used to love going there, but once word got out that there isn’t anyone monitoring whether actual members are using the pool, it became a nightmare. The side gate is unlocked on the weekends, so people just come in and go as they please. Members are supposed to check in, but why if you don’t have to? Grab lunch at Sonic and ten of your friends, and hang by the pool that paying members actually maintain.
The membership fee used to be all-​inclusive, but over the last year or so the facility has started charging for many things that used to be free to members such as the nutrition lectures and classes. Any group fitness classes above and beyond your basic step classes also became for-​fee.
It’s really sad, actually. The Cooper Fitness Center at Craig Ranch was supposed to be the crown jewel of the famed Craig Ranch as a ton of development was expected — and then the Economic Downturn hit in 2008 and the area never recovered. Housing starts dried up, the retail never did come… and one would’ve assumed the membership would’ve dried up as well. Somehow Cooper managed to increase its membership, as it’s always crazy-​busy there now.
When we canceled our membership, we simply filled out a form and turned it in. No one tried to retain us as members, or find out why we’d left. That speaks volumes to me.
And, they never did do anything with that empty pond in the middle of the quarter-​mile track outside.

Very nice facility. Staff is unhelpful and rude. If your paying this much for a gym/​club membership one would expect decent customer service. Javier, the locker room attendant is extremely nice and helpful. All of the front desk staff are rude and unhelpful.

Cooper Center is awesome. Even when busy, it never feels crowded.

I’ve always thought that Lifetime was the premier facility in North Dallas when it came to fitness. Then I walked into Cooper and I was in awe. Lifetime isn’t even in the same class. There are so many amenities available and the staff is top notch. Towel service, showers, a hot tub and sauna (say whaa?) and giant lockers are just some of the things you’ll have access to. An 50 meter pool is located outside. I have to say, it’s pretty long and if you’re swimming laps prepare to work hard! They also have a rock climbing wall, which is great for the kids. The basketball court is regulation size with lots of space out around the court so you don’t have to worry about running into a wall, but unfortunately there is only one. Maybe this is one negative for this place, but that’s as much as I can count. There’s also a small café near the entrance where you can refuel and unwind. If you’re looking for a family friendly place where you can also encourage your kids to get active this is the place!

Gorgeous facility with individual tv’s on the cardio equipment, a heated outdoor pool, specialized pilates classes, rock climbing wall, indoor track (though you may get dizzy running around it!), spa, outdoor tennis courts, and much, much more. This place really does leave little to be desired! The staff is very friendly and there is always a trainer available on the gym floor to provide assistance or answer questions which is a nice plus. The locker rooms (at least the womens) are wonderful with large lockers, towel service, a hot tub and sauna, clean showers, and well appointed make-​up stations. I was expecting the membership rates to be a bit on the ridiculous side, but they were fairly close to what you pay at Lifetime which seems more than reasonable considering the type of facility and level of amenities.
Classes are available though I will say the vast majority are offered during the day or at 6pm which could pose a problem depending on your work schedule.
If I had to come up with a negative, it would be that this place is a little too calm — it doesn’t really have an energetic «vibe» going on and feels slightly more like a spa/​country club than a gym. Plus it’s never even remotely busy which adds to the slightly serene feeling. Is that a bad thing? No, not really, but it was certainly something I noticed and if you’re the type of person that’s looking for more of a «community» or a place to meet people that might be something to consider.
Cooper is definitely a place to check out — I don’t know if you can get much better than this!

Joined a month ago. Had used the spa before but never tried the aerobics center until now. So far I love it. Staff is great and atmosphere is awesome!

Cooper Aerobics Center at Craig Ranch is definitely a step above many of the area fitness centers. This is a full-​service facility with a kids club, spa, café, cardio machines, weights a 50-​m outdoor pool (not common in the area), sauna, whirlpool, basketball court and numerous fitness classes (spin, Zumba, barbell, yoga, Pilates, WillPower & Grace, etc.). They also offer items most gyms don’t such as martial arts classes, special muscle activation classes, a nutritionist, rock-​climbing wall, and multiple Pilates modalities (some for a fee).
What I like is that it’s not a pick-​up place vibe. Families and people from all walks of life and many body types work out here. It’s not an intimidating environment for someone returning to fitness or needing extra coaching.
What sets Cooper apart is their service and commitment to helping members develop healthy habits, with financial incentives to do so. Cooper wants you to develop health habits and a regular workout regimen. They offer a variety of trainers, many of whom specialize in various sports (basketball, triathlons, swimming, etc.) providing expertise to the members (for a fee). If you exercise 10 times in the first 30 days, you get your initiation fee back. Complete a fitness assessment and 4 free hours (yes free!) of personal training, tennis, swimming, or pilates coaching and you get an additional credit to your account. Plus, they offer several free nutrition seminars throughout the year.
Overall, coming from Koko which has a more stripped-​down approach to fitness, this feels like a country club and rivals Lifetime Fitness in many ways.

Cooper Fitness is many, many stars above the rest. I cannot believe the community is not flocking to this facility. We’ve received nothing but the best service. It is not your typical «fitness center». It has a community feel and a true sense of respect for its patrons. Very high calibur service.

I love everything about this fitness center. The staff is always friendly and willing to help with whatever you need. The women’s locker room is superior by far to any gym I’ve ever been to (which consists of many, including L.A. & Lifetime). It is worth every penny. It’s never crowded, forcing you to wait on a machine. They also have a fitness program for homeschool students, which I love. I wouldn’t think about joining another gym.

Rude staff, maintenance is slacking. There is always something broken or missing in the locker room… even the ceiling is caving in. Toddler pool is never working, childcare parking lot is always full with fat, lazy people too lazy to walk and management could care less. This place is a bog disappointment.

This is the best gym ever! I am always disappointed when I don’t get a chance to go. It’s pretty much as good as it gets as far as a fitness center. There are many fine touches from the cedar lockers in the locker room, fresh ice water stations throughout the facility, the individual TVs on the cardio machines, the water extractors by the aquatics (to dry out your swimsuits). Everything is designed to make working out as convenient as possible.
They have lots of different classes and awesome trainers on staff. When you sign up, you go through a very thorough fitness assessment (moreso than most other fitness centers) and your trainer tailors a fitness plan to your level. And it really works!
I would recommend this place to anyone! It’s one of the few things I’m going to miss when I move away from Dallas.