I wrote this back in 2011, the day after I learned of Jack LaLanne’s passing. I have included a YouTube posting I just recorded.
Jack, you are greatly missed and you continue to inspire.
Thank you,
Joe
“I can’t afford to die, it will wreck my image!” Jack LaLanne.
Image via Wikipedia
Well Jack, death could never wreck your image. Yesterday, fellow chiropractor and fitness enthusiast, Jack LaLanne left this earth.
I know the nick-name, godfather of fitness, was most often associated with Jack LaLanne, but in my mind, along with Bernarr MacFadden and Angelo Siciliano better known as Charles Atlas, these three men made up the holy trinity of health. They were the founding fathers of the mass media fitness movement.
However, unlike the founding fathers of our country who gathered at a hall in Philadelphia, these three great men spanned different eras, and Jack spanned the globe. Atlas and LaLanne both learned either directly or indirectly from MacFadden and each went on to impact anyone who has ever broken a sweat in the name of fitness.
Jack LaLanne was a bodybuilder and one of the original visitors of muscle beach. An unhealthy, sugar addicted child he met MacFadden inspired Paul Bragg, and it was through Bragg that a young Jack was given the foundations to take control of his health. Jack used his newly found education and sought to inspire the world.
If you have ever used a leg extension or smith machine — you have Jack to thank.
If you are an athlete who utilizes weight training to excel in your chosen sport — you have Jack to thank.
If you are a woman who enjoys the benefits of exercise and weight training, yep, you guessed it — you have Jack to thank.
Image via Wikipedia
Bernarr McFadden scowled, “Weakness is a Crime, Don’t be a criminal!”
Charles Atlas promised, “To make a man out of you.”
Jack, well, he came into our homes every morning and showed us that being fit and healthy was a goal unto itself.
Before experts complicated exercise, Jack kept it all simple. Although he owned and endorsed health clubs, he showed us how to work out at home. While medicine was searching for a panacea in a pill, Jack knew that proper nutrition combined with exercise were the only keys to good health. He, through his longevity, demonstrated how easy it was to remain fit and live a healthy life.
Dr. Jack LaLanne had a profound influence on me. It was his example I followed when I set up my simplified eating plan. It was his model I used when I designed my easy and effective exercise strategy. And, it was his inspiration I followed when I chose brevity and basics in writing my book.
Image via Wikipedia
The last interview I saw was on his 95th birthday. He was spry, excited and as motivational as ever — he had a glint in his eye and a joy in his voice. I know it is unrealistic, but some people you just never expect to die, and in Jack’s case that is not so far-fetched.
His physical existence may have ceased, but because of every person who endeavors to improve their health via lifting a weight, jogging, swimming, doing a Jumping Jack, so named for him, or choosing a bowl of berries over a bowl of ice cream — Jack LaLanne will live on forever.
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Life is lived in color, but sometimes the answers remain black and white.
Aloha, Ciao and Stay Healthy,
Joe
Sometimes The Bastard Returns is available on Amazon.com
Paperback: http://astore.amazon.com/fathfinobl-20/detail/1492763365
Kindle: http://astore.amazon.com/fathfinobl-20/detail/B00HGVPCXG
Obesity Undone, is available in both paperback and kindle versions at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333
For over three and half years I maintained a 130 pound weight loss, then last year I lost my way and found a relapse in obesity. I am discussing my battle with recidivism.
**************The information, advice and opinions contained herein is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.***********
Obesity Undone, is available in both paperback and kindle versions at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333
http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition-ebook/dp/B008R8KA1Q
and on Create Space https://www.createspace.com/3903024
OBESITY UNDONE IS FAT THEN FIT NOW 