Before there were exercise DVDs, FitTV, and hot yoga, there was Jack LaLanne. A fitness legend since 1936, Jack LaLanne died Sunday at the age of 96. A true pioneer, he blazed a fitness trail, including healthy eating, for more than 70 years.
Many of us remember our mothers or grandmothers first watching “The Jack LaLanne Show” in the 60s on our black and white TVs. Armed with only a chair and a towel (no special equipment needed), you could get an effective home workout, and it was fun. That’s where I first learned to do jumping jacks – with Jack wearing his ever-present one-piece jumpsuit and jumping right along with us. His positive attitude and encouragement almost leaped right out of the television, and his personal engagement kept you glued to the show. A funny line he used early on was directed at kids who turned on the TV early in the morning (there weren’t a zillion channels then!), with Jack encouraging them to “get their Moms downstairs to exercise”. His TV shows aired for nearly 30 years.
A lesser known fact was his support of strength training for men who were athletes, and for women. Decades ago, it was thought that muscles would be “bulky” and slow men down, and women would look too masculine. He was also an inventor of some of the first exercise machines, many of which we still use today.
Later in life, many of us remember him as a major showman, performing such stunts as swimming a long distance, handcuffed and pulling boats. He was often seen promoting the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, with his Jack LaLanne Juicer.
Much to his credit, Jack LaLanne did not expect people to be him, simply to value healthy living and physical activity – getting out and moving 3-4 days a week. Not that we could keep up with him! He exercised every day of his life; until his death he worked out for two hours daily: 90 minutes of weight lifting and a 30 minute swim.
Among his most famous lines?
"I can’t die, it would ruin my image."Here’s to you, Jack LaLanne, inspiring several generations to eat right and get fit. Me? I’m going out for a walk right now!
What did Jack LaLanne mean to you?
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