Lessons Learned from Jack LaLanne
Jack LaLanne recently celebrated his 95th birthday. He had hoped to commemorate by swimming 20 miles from the California coast to Santa Catalina Island, but his wife didn't think it would be a good idea. If you don’t know Jack, then you’re missing out on something. If you do know him, then I’ll bet you are smiling now. As a little girl, my Mom and I exercised with Jack everyday on the black+white TV. I think CBS2 summed it up best when they said, “Before there was a ‘Biggest Loser’ or even Richard Simmons (and don't forget Jane Fonda), there was Jack LaLanne.”
Jack at work
Jack is the former host of “The Jack LaLanne Show”, a TV exercise show that aired from 1951 to 1985. Many of our notions about good health and fitness can be traced directly back to Jack LaLanne. He evangelized fitness, healthy eating and natural foods decades before anyone else. He pitched Roman Meal bread when everyone else ate white bread and he turned America on to juicing. He invented exercise equipment and pioneered modern health clubs. He was the first to encourage women to workout with weights. He made health education colorful with his witty “LaLanneisms“. “Ten seconds on the lips and a lifetime on the hips.” Jack said it first.
Jack at home
Oh, to have Jack’s enthusiasm and self-discipline! At 95, his blood pressure is perfect and he doesn’t take a pill - except for a batch vitamin and mineral supplements. He rises at 6 or 7 AM and heads to the gym for a 30 minute swim followed by 1½ hours of lifting weights. He eats a diet that is unprocessed and organic, full of raw vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, soy, yeast, kelp, and liver tables, and is completely sugar free.
Sally Squires of the Washington Post reports that Jack eats two meals a day. His breakfast is at 11 AM and his dinner is at 7 PM. He eats four to five pieces of fruit and protein from cooked egg whites and fish - although from time to time, he eats a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with avocado and tomato. He never snacks and he uses soy milk instead of dairy products. When he eats out, he orders chopped vegetables and brings his own sesame oil salad dressing. He does indulge in a glass of wine.
Obesitycures.com says LaLanne eats at least ten raw vegetables a day and he hasn't eaten a dessert since 1929! Jack is even so tough that, for his 70th birthday, he swam 1.5 miles while handcuffed and shackled, towing 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen's Way Bridge in Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary! And that's just one of his many fitness feats.
Salute Jack!
Okay, granted, Jack is a maniac. But we have to be grateful to Jack LaLanne for keeping alive the message of health and for showing us the power of positive thinking. Healthy behaviors that have worked for Jack are:
- exercise everyday upon arising
- do weight-training and cardio too
- eat a diet that is very high in fiber and very low in fat
- eat no red meat nor sugar, ever!
- eat two meals a day, 8 hours apart
- be consistent
As Jack says, "It's not what you do some of the time that counts, it's what you do all the time that counts." He certainly raised the bar. Happy Birthday, Jack!
- See Jack’s new book about living young: Live Young Forever: 12 Steps to Optimum Heath, Fitness & Longevity
Your thoughts....
Do you remember Jack LaLanne? Does he inspire you?
Comments
I do remember Jack! My gosh, that's going back a ways, isn't it?!? 
I was born in 1950, in the young days of b&w TV, and I remember VERY well our first set...his show was one that we watched quite regularly ~ not every day, I admit ~ but I can see him now, smiling @ the camera & extorting his views on fitness to home viewers everywhere.
I don't think I could ever be like him; he's way too good at this for me, lol. But I sure wish I could!
Happy Birthday to him!!
This is great. He is a model of discipline. I often find that the most challenging part of this whole, weight loss/gain, eating exercisign thing is discipline. Our weight is more indicative of our inability to exercise self control and self discipline. I am on my way step by step, but Jack LaLane is a hero for hope!
Of course I remember Jack LaLanne. We use to watch him all the time. He is an inspiration of how dedication to having a healthy lifestyle can reward you with a wonderful life as you age. Too many people sit back and complain because they are getting fat and have no ambition but not Jack. Happy Birthday Jack!
I grew up with Jack LaLanne! And I'm THRILLED that he's still kicking! But I KNOW that I'm not capable of sticking to such a strict regimen for the rest of my life. For one thing, the eating every 2-3 hours thing really works for ME. I can't imagine going for eight hours without eating! My stomach starts to growl between two and four hours after I eat...depending upon whether it was a salad, fish, or meat. That's when I eat.
But my hat's OFF to Jack! The truth is, I could never "measure up" to him...and I still can't! But then....I don't really want to. I wanna be healthy...but I'm not willing to give up ALL the foods I love. Everything in moderation...
80 years without dessert?!?! I don't think, in fact, I know, I couldn't do that. Very impressive! Keep it up Jack! What an inspiration!
Never heard of him, I grew up in the UK and now live in Spain; my goodness what an inspiration. I hope i can be as disciplined as he is for the rest of my (hopefully) long life.
Happ Birthday Jack!
He is my birthday buddy-Happy Birthday Jack!
I execerized with you in front of the TV in the 60's with my mom. 
There is no question that Jack was ahead of his time in the promotion of healthy eating and exercise. Was he a bit of a fanatic, yes, but Jack set an example for millions of fans and made an important impact on heath awareness in the United States.
My Grandmother who passed away at 97 free of illness was a big fan and followed a no meat Mediterranean diet and exercised regularly.
Another point not mentioned in your biography was that Jack was an avid supporter getting people to quit smoking at a time when his when employer running television ran cigarette adverts with doctors promoting filtered cigarettes.
Jacks key message is that health is not having to do with renunciation or temporarily following a diet but is tied to a total life style. His positive energy has always been contagious and an inspiration.
has anyone seen the episode of arrested development where martin short plays "uncle jack"? he is this 95 year old man who can't walk but has these huge muscles and gets carried around everywhere by this beefy bodyguard. a parody of jack lalanne, yes, but this article helps us to remember what kind of revolutionary ideas this man contributed to exercise and fitness! i remember a jack lalanne health club that was near my house when i was growing up. it is now a bally's where i work out, but my father still calls the place "jack"! happy birthday :)
He might be 95 but that kind of living doesn't sound like much fun to me. I NEED a treat every once in a while to keep me going. I have to be disciplined most of the time but I still want to live!
I absolutely do remember working out with Jack LaLanne, my Mom, and my two brothers everyday in the early 1960s, even before I started kindergarden. It was such a blast. Too bad I didn't keep it up. What an awesome inspiration. Happy Birthday, Jack. Does anyone know if his wife is still alive and kicking?
I also grew up watching Jack on tv. Though I was only a child at the time, I've never forgotten his enthusiasm and his incredible attitude. He's an inspiration for all people!
I, too, grew up with Jack. Reading the above article it seems impossible to do what he does. But then, fitness was/is his whole life. It is his work. He didn't go to the office and sit in front of a computer all day. He went to a studio and worked out for a tv camera!
It's hard to focus on exercise and eating right when you are carpooling the kids, going to the office for 9 hours, getting home and cooking a meal that has to please 4 people. And then there's homework and housework, etc.
So, pat yourself on the back for even trying to be a bit like Jack!
I remember watching/exercising with my Mom when I was little. Does anyone remember his 2 white dogs that would wander onto the set every now and then? Happy birthday Jack! You are an inspiration to us all!!!
He's a little before my time, but I have a new hero. That type of longevity and health is what I'm striving for.
Jack LaLanne should be an inspiration to us all. It isn't a matter of living life nearly perfectly, as Jack does - but of being made aware of human possibilities. I'm a nearly 62 year old personal trainer with a very large client list, including a number of physicians and surgeons. We continually explore human capabilities and one fact has become certain: There are no shortcuts. A healthy lifestyle will, in general, make for a longer, more fruitful life. Jack is LIVING proof!
He was a fitness Icon for women long before women were allowed to run in the Boston Marathon! (1972) I think he is an amazing man and he influenced my view of fitness and health. He is living proof that HEALTHY eating and exercise is the right way to do things. (not just low calorie)
And yes, I do remember those dogs! LOL!
Jack is before my time and a little too extreme. I just hope I can feel as good as he looks when I am 90 years old.
Although I won't be giving up desert on my birthdays...somethings are sacred
kim5947 >>> I do remember "Uncle Jack" on Arrested Development and never even realized who they were parodying - I should have! I've heard about Jack LaLanne since I was young. In the 70's my mother used to work out in one of his gyms and laments the gyms now - for the price you certainly get a whole lot less than you used to (he sold to Bally's.) Thanks for reminding me who "Uncle Jack" is, though!
I remember Jack LaLane when he started on black and white TV, I used to do exercises with him every morning at 9:00 a.m. Then when the show changed to 3:00 p.m. I even bought the stretch belt and always kept fit. Then Jack became rich and the free TV exercises stopped.
I am still exercising at 67 years old, and going to CURVES. I also like the calories count web site, it gives common sense diets.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK.
He's absolutely happy as far as I can tell. I don't know if there's a more positive person out there. We should all strive to live like him.
One person said they need a snack or dessert now and then to keep them happy... I think that's a huge problem for a lot of us - we use food to keep us happy. From what I've read about Jack Lalanne he does not use food except to maintain his energy and his health (as it was meant to be) - he uses activities and relationships to be happy. That's where I would like to be. I hate it that I use food for emotional reasons.
Not long ago, his wife was still going...
As for his 2 meals, that could be partly a change with his age... I didn't hear him saying that before... If you added years to your own stats here in CC, you'll see we all use fewer daily cals as we age. I have a Grandmother's sister still living independently and driving legally at 97 in Florida... As she was always very active and slim, I was surprised to see she'd finally gained some weight, so I checked her calorie needs by adding years to my own simular stats-- at 97 I'd have to be active to still burn 1200 cals a day!
As a visitor to Nursing Homes, the age-related weight gains I see there, which hinder safe care, concern me... It's hard to burn cals when confined. Taking care of my health now is better than regretting it later...
Jack is definitely an extreme health nut. He's tough, and is obviously still going strong. Good for him! What will be interesting to see is how much longer he will live? Barring any major illnesses beyond his control, will all his efforts make him the oldest man on earth? I suspect he's going to be around for quite awhile yet.
Congratulations Jack! Keep it up!
I am inspired! I`ll follow him! And I`m happy people like he are in this World. I`m 54 and do yoga and weight-training. So, he is not lonely.
wow, I didn't realise how old he is. My grandmother is 80 years old and has been greatly inspired by this guy. way to go Jack
But... I like eating. Its part of life. Jack is amazing. But methods are a little unrealistic to me. I like Bleu Cheese, pizza, funnelcakes and all of lifes little fatty gifts...
Yes, I remember Jack. I did not realize his age, because I guess I lost track of him; have not heard much about him. Hats off to his consistency and discipline! The dessert thing is a little extreme for me, though. Never is a long time!
Original Post by: agibson44I, too, grew up with Jack. Reading the above article it seems impossible to do what he does. But then, fitness was/is his whole life. It is his work. He didn't go to the office and sit in front of a computer all day. He went to a studio and worked out for a tv camera!
It's hard to focus on exercise and eating right when you are carpooling the kids, going to the office for 9 hours, getting home and cooking a meal that has to please 4 people. And then there's homework and housework, etc.
So, pat yourself on the back for even trying to be a bit like Jack!
So true! I also grew up with Jack and would exercise with him until my father changed the station. I always have liked to exercise and would always find an excuse to not do it! I do understand about having "a life" though and I totally agree, when your work is exercise, of course you can do it as much as you need or want to. My son is now in college and I have taken back control of my life. To lose 40 lbs, exercise more, eat better. I am not married, so no husband to go home to. I always said to myself that other people do all of these things and still exercise, why not me? No more excuses! I drink coffee if I have to, but I get to the gym! I cut back on sweets (I'm a chocoholic) and some other fatty meals, and have felt a difference with my hour long workouts. Don't let your whole life revolve around everyone else, get them to pitch in and accept imperfect as good enough, because without you in good health, they will suffer too.
As a kid, my sister and I would do the workout with Jack LeLanne then go on to watch Julia Childs. They seem like opposites, but actually both really encouraged wholesome, real food. Butter isn't evil. It is all about portion control and exercise.
Both live full rich lives.
Yes! I remember Jack. My mother and I would exercise with him while my older brother and sisters were in school. I wonder if "Jumping Jacks" came from him. Way to go Jack, Happy Birthday!
This man definitely inspires me. I had never heard of him before as I had not visited America during his years. I love being fit and eating healthy the body feels so good. I would not even attempt to follow Jack's regimen but it's good to know about it.
This man definitely inspires me. I had never heard of him before as I had not visited America during his years. I love being fit and eating healthy foods. I lapse now and again but quickly get back on track. There is nothing better than when the body feels worked out and toned, it feels so good. I would not even attempt to follow Jack's regimen but it's very interesting to know about it.
A Jumping Jack, or side straddle hop as it is called in the United States military (also commonly known as a star jump, especially to children of Commonwealth nations), is a physical jumping exercise performed by jumping to a position with the legs spread wide and the hands touching overhead and then returning to a position with the feet together and the arms at the sides. The name comes from the traditional toy of the same name and is also known as a jack in the box.
More intensive versions of this jump include bending down (over) and touching the floor in between each jump.
This exercise is not, however, suitable for increasing jumping endurance.
A similar jump exercise, as coined by actor Jason David Frank, is called half-jacks. They are just like regular jumping jacks, but the arms go halfway above the head instead of all the way above the head. The arms also hit the sides to help tighten the jump.
Although he played no part in inventing the exercise, jumping expert Jack LaLanne takes credit for having popularized it in the United States as part of the jumping exercise routine he promoted on decades of television programs.
I grew up watching Jack LaLanne with my Mom and sister! We loved him and still do. He taught us that exercise was good for women. He was so ahead of his time. It is so incredible that he has maintained such a high level of discipline in his eating and exercising habits. He is a great example of a person who has set high goals for himself and kept them.
I had to laugh at all the criticism here - I guess those people don't realize that it's not about being just like him - it's about finding your own successful health regimen and being true to it. But think about it - he's 95 folks and in excellent mental and physical condition - he must be doing something right.
I can totally relate to his desire to challenge himself physically - even though my physical challenges are more like shaving a minute off my three mile run than pulling 70 occupied boats!
Happy Birthday, Jack and many more!
He only eats 2 meals a day with the level of activties he seems to do in a day. I am really interested in his Kcaloric expenditures. He starts breakfast at 11am. Does he consume 5 fruits and 10 to 11 servings of vegetables in one sitting? That would be alot of grams. Considering an apple weight 170grams yields about 95 Kcalories and a head of romaine lettuce 600 grams yields 100 or so Kcalories. If I was to guess base on his work load he may burn 3000 plus kcalories a day. I don't think he can mean his body needs.
I want to know his thoughts on grass-fed red meats...
he is such an inspiration - i hope to be like him too... doing my best to keep my everyday diet 85% unprocessed and whole foods and keep the artificial stuff to the bare minimal.
he's totally a good role model for people who aspire to be better in health.
Original Post by: thedreamerzHe only eats 2 meals a day with the level of activties he seems to do in a day. I am really interested in his Kcaloric expenditures. He starts breakfast at 11am. Does he consume 5 fruits and 10 to 11 servings of vegetables in one sitting? That would be alot of grams. Considering an apple weight 170grams yields about 95 Kcalories and a head of romaine lettuce 600 grams yields 100 or so Kcalories. If I was to guess base on his work load he may burn 3000 plus kcalories a day. I don't think he can mean his body needs.
I don't think the article is giving his diet in exhaustive detail. Between eating soy products, whole grains, egg whites, fish and the other things, I'm sure he gets everything he needs. Though he says he doesn't snack, I wouldn't be surprised if he eats a few veggies or fruits between meals.
I exercised with Jack LaLanne in front of the TV with mom in the 60's, too. Unfortunately, I don't have fond memories of this. I had "Celia Hoades" (from weeds) for a mom. She was obsessed with the idea that I might get fat, so this was just another thing, along with "laying off the butter sandwiches" that I was forced to do. The sad thing is, I wasn't fat then - I was a preschooler who was pretty much like other preschoolers. If ever there was a self-fulfilling prophecy, this certainly was one. I spent my whole childhood living under the fat obsession, and now I'm a fat adult.
It sounds like Jack LaLanne's philosophy and practice have served him -- and quite a few others -- well!
I think it would be fair to declare him the Chuck Norris of Health and Fitness. Anyone want to second the motion?
:)
Original Post by: erbe38One of Jack's funnier lines was "If it tastes good, spit it out!"
LOL, little did the chef know it was a compliment in the highest form.....
I wonder how many calories he consumes per day. It has to vary slightly with his working out 2 hours a day and tugging boats on special occasions.
I remember him on the black and white television, and it's great to see a vibrant and healthy 95 year old. When I see him, I am not thinking how his discipline and how much he may be missing...it's kind of like watching the olympics, or cirque du soleil, or other examples of the capacity of human beings to be amazing.
I will never be a trapeze artist, nor have washboard abs...but a human being could do that with passion and discipline. Bravo!
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I've heard of him, and I first thought it was a hoax, or just gimmick for a commercial, but I was wrong. *w* He's just too disciplined for little old me. He doesn't inspire me, he intimidates me!
Best of luck to him though. :)