Pauline Potts

{{Short description|Scientist and physical therapist}}

Colonel Pauline "Polly" Potts (1926 – 4 June 2013) was a scientist and physical therapist assisting with a space program, best known for co-creating aerobics.

Potts studied her BSc and MSc from Southern Illinois University then studied a Physical Therapy Degree offered by the US Army Medical Field Services School in Texas.{{cite web |title=Colonel Pauline "Polly" Potts Obituary (2013) The Arizona Republic |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/azcentral/name/pauline-potts-obituary?id=19429651&__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=7Yu01G6rLPwCfgUrALVQy3LHrgMs6idvFtcjQNrC_WA-1640609368-0-gaNycGzNCL0 |website=Legacy.com}} After graduating she acted at the chief of Physical Therapy in various US Airforce hospitals, eventually becoming a Colonel. Potts then became the physical therapist developing exercise programs for weightless environment for astronauts during space exploration, including the project Mercury. Potts is best known for co-developing the exercise technique of aerobics with Kenneth H. Cooper, who published a book on the topic in 1968{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Kenneth H. |title=The aerobics program for total well-being : exercise, diet, emotional balance |date=1968 |location=New York, N.Y. |isbn=9780307777256}}