Jill Cooper needs little introduction: American by birth, Italian by adoption, a fitness pioneer and television personality who has inspired generations to take care of themselves through sport.
From her first steps in the 1980s, when she brought aerobic disciplines to Italy, to the creation of her SuperJump method, Jill has always transformed training into a 360-degree experience of energy and well-being.
Today, at 57, she continues to reinvent herself with the same enthusiasm, sharing practical advice, personal experiences, and a philosophy that focuses on body, mind, and recovery.
We had the pleasure of meeting her and asking her a few questions about her journey, her vision of movement, and how she integrates SportLab products into her daily sports care routine.
From Wichita, KS to Rome, you were born in the United States and now live in the Italian capital. How has your transition between two cultures influenced your philosophy on movement and wellness?
There's a completely different approach between the US and Italy, especially during the formative years of middle school and high school. In America, those who study and play team sports are considered "cool," while in Italy there's often a negative stigma toward those who study or play sports: they're called "nerds" or "obsessed." Yet it's scientifically proven that those who participate in sports at a young age are more successful as adults, because they learn to sacrifice for results, to accept defeat gracefully, and to respect the rules. Sports teaches discipline, merit, and commitment.
After 37 years in Italy, I can say that something is changing, but I remain convinced that the Ministry of Education should increase the hours of physical education in schools, because it positively influences everyone's life.
Another big difference, barring the elite, is that in the US, almost everyone plays sports at an amateur level, while in Italy, when someone chooses a discipline, they tend to do so with extreme dedication, becoming excellent. Few, but very good.
Finally, there's the world of fitness for non-athletes. In 1988, I helped bring aerobics to Italy, and in 1990, I became one of the first personal trainers. I'm truly proud to have been a pioneer in this field.
Your fame exploded in 2001, when you became a fitness instructor and personal trainer on TV shows. What did that experience teach you about conveying health messages to a wider audience?
Fame opens many doors, and with this "power," I've always tried to act ethically and responsibly. People listen to you more when they see you on TV, so I've seen this privilege as a duty: to use my visibility to do good. My mission has always been to inspire people to love themselves more through the rules of sport, wellness, and self-esteem.
You've published several books on body and fitness. How do you transform years of coaching into words that motivate your readers?
My first book, published in 2003 by Newton & Compton, was titled "Conquer Your Body." The title says it all: if you conquer your body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, and a positive attitude, you will achieve greater satisfaction in all areas of life, both personal and professional.
And then the idea for SuperJump: what was the spark that led you to invent your trampoline method, and how has it evolved over the years?
The method was born from research for my "anti-cellulite" protocol, which I was developing for a book. It was the result of theory, curiosity, practical testing, and revolutionary discoveries. I had never seen a tool capable of changing body composition so quickly. The results were so surprising that I commissioned scientific studies to confirm them.
Over time, trampoline techniques have multiplied: Original, Intensity, Supersonic, Kombat, Power 1 and 2, Core Stability, Hot Dance, and Junior. But one thing remains certain: trampoline is one of the healthiest workouts in the world. It helps you lose weight, protects your joints, and improves mitochondrial health, bone density, and the lymphatic system.
You promote exercise beyond 40. What changes have you noticed in your body and mind over time, and how do you adapt your workouts to stay energized?
The two biggest changes are joint pain and sarcopenia. With perimenopause, joint pain and lean body mass loss increase, so training needs to be adapted. I practice Metabolic Confusion, a cross-training approach that combines the four key factors of training: frequency, duration, intensity, and type. This approach keeps the body "awake" and allows you to achieve maximum results with minimal joint stress.
I do a lot of trampoline, calisthenics with my fluid, cardio walking, and weights.
It's September, and many of us have returned from vacation with little desire to get back to work. What's your ritual or tip for getting back into a healthy routine after the summer break?
An online gym! Not to replace physical or outdoor training, but as a way to get back into it with consistency. Don't start with just an hour a day: 10-15 minutes in the morning, right after waking up, before leaving the house, will do the trick. After 10 days, you'll see that you'll want to do more and more, even outside the home.
And finally, we know you've become a big fan of our products. How have you incorporated them into your routine?
I admit I've always been very "wild": like many athletes, I've focused more on performance than recovery. But at my age, 57, I'm learning to pamper myself more.
The WARMUP CREAM makes training smoother, the COOLDOWN aids recovery. I love the FEET RELAX before bed: it helps me sleep better.
And sunscreen ? Always!
SPORTLAB really makes a difference: you feel the relief immediately.
Suffering for a good workout is right, but if you can suffer only where necessary, it's much better, and SPORTLAB lightens and enhances your training.
Jill Cooper is pure energy: listening to her means rediscovering enthusiasm, but also discovering that behind her contagious determination lies method, discipline, and care. From small daily gestures to big challenges, her message is clear: movement is for everyone, at any age. You just have to want to start.
We are proud that SPORTLAB Milano products support her on this journey because if the queen of fitness chooses us for her sportscare routine, it means that our work is running in the right direction 😎
