Fitness Pioneer Jack LaLanne Dies at 96
By Carolyn Richardson
Fitness guru Jack LeLanne has died. He was 96. His wife of 51 years, Elaine, shared the news through LeLanne’s agent Rick Hersh with this: "I have not only lost my husband and a great American icon, but the best friend and most loving partner anyone could ever hope for."
While many know him from infomercials for the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer, and his “that’s the power of the juice” phrase, the pioneer was a pitchman for overall health decades before it was popular. Following his securing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, LaLanne opened a health studio in 1936 in Oakland, California which featured a juice bar, health food store and gym. He urged his members to lift weights: this at a time when the medical community did not promote resistance training.
In 1951, LaLanne took his fitness message to television with “The Jack LaLanne Show,” which stands as the longest running television exercise program according to IMDB. In its 34 years on the air, the show catered to sedentary housewives and featured exercise routines that incorporated chairs and broomsticks. Even after it was off the air, ESPN Classic aired the show in syndication. Episode one is featured on his website and begins with Jack’s pitch for better health , “I’m here for one reason and one reason only to show you how to feel better and look better so you can live longer.”
Jack’s influence on the fitness industry is unmatched. He helped design the first leg extension machines and pulley machines using cables. His amazing physical feats, such as swimming from Alcatraz to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco likely inspired the physical challenge shows we see on television today. Jack’s health spas grew into the hundreds by the ‘80’s and were eventually licensed to the Bally Company and became Bally Total Fitness. And though he did not invent the exercise, the popularity he garnered for the quintessential cardio exercise, the Jumping Jack, is actually named after him.
He was quoted as saying “I can't die, it would ruin my image.” But with 96 years to his credit, if there ever was one, Jack LaLanne was and is the ideal picture of health.
Calorie Count wrote about Jack LaLanne on his 95th birthday last year.
Your thoughts....
Were you a fan of Jack LaLanne?
Comments
Original Post by: rbrain98Let's all start today's exercise with 96 Jumping Jacks :)
LOVE it! A perfect way to honor the man!
I thought "the power of the juice" was the "Juiceman juicer" guy with the huge eyebrows? I must be confused because of the Jim Carrey parody on In Living Color. 
I love watching Jack's face workout videos on youtube. It's funny to watch the faces he makes, and I swear, my neck isn't as flabby as it used to be (Thanks, Jack!) I also like to watch his old tv shows when I feel like I need some inspiration, or uncomplicated advice. He certainly knew how to get his message for eating right and exercising across in an easy to understand, entertaining way.
I remember his tv show and how he sang at the end. I think the song was It's Time To Leave You. I liked how he had his dogs on the show. He really made a person want to be healthy. He knew what he was talking about.
Rush Limbaugh said he died didn't he. He was trying to say eating well and exercise did not mean anything. Rush is a jerk for saying that. The man was 96 years old. That says it all.
God Bless You Jack and thank you.
I was never a big fan of exercise, but in 1963 I gained 40 lbs. when I was pregnant with my second child. At only 5'2" tall that was totally unacceptable to me. After my son was born, I exercised every day in front of the TV with Jack LaLanne. He made it almost fun and I lost the 40 lbs. and more! He was a remarkable man and will be missed.
I remember exercising with jack La Lanne before school when I was really young. My youngest son, who is 16, is one of Jack's biggest fans. He has tons of his qoutes on his facebook page. I jokingly say he's the next Jack Lalanne. He is totally committed to healthy eating and body building without steroides, in large part because on Jack's influence.
I remember in pre-school being able to exercise with Jack LaLanne. He
really did inspire a whole generation (or two) to healthy habits. It was
because of watching him that I went on to become an athlete! Bless you Jack and rest in peace. We need a role model like you Now more than ever.
God Bless this man, without him I would not have a job today. It only takes one person with a vision and a strong desire to change the world. Jack had that and so much more and he put it to good use. He was passionate and he believed in his mission of spreading health and wellness to all, and he did! He will always be remembered as the pioneer of today's health and fitness industry!
This is a place to say something nice and remember Jack . I think it is rude to say the least, to sell here.
american
apples
asian
beans
beef
blog
bmi
breakfast
calcium
calories
cheese
chicken
chocolate
coffee
confidence
cooking
dessert
diabetes
diet
dieting
dietsinreview
dinner
eggs
emotionaleating
exercise
family
fiber
fish
fitness
fruit
goals
healthyeating
hunger
hungrygirl
inspiration
italian
mediterranean
mexican
mindset
motivation
nuts
obesity
party
pasta
portioncontrol
potatoes
protein
quinoa
recipe
recipes
salad
self-esteem
sleep
snack
snacks
soup
spinach
stress
successstory
sugar
support
tbl
thebiggestloser
tips
tomatoes
turkey
tv
vegan
vegetable
vegetables
vegetarian
water
weightloss
workout
yogurt
I remember watching Jack on TV when I was a kid. I liked him, mostly because his dogs would visit the set during the show. I even used a dining room chair to practice his leg excercises, even though I had no idea what I was doing: it seemed like fun! As I got older, I thought his passion for fitness was over the top. But as an adult watching his amazing feats of physical challenges, I had a new found respect for him and his message. I never knew the Jumping Jack was named for him, but it makes perfect sense! I will always admire his showmanship, and the way he made "working out" achievable for all of the stay at home moms of the 1950.