Jack LaLanne Dies at 96; Living Thin Pioneer
by Sonja Rose on Jan. 28, 2011, under Health
Jack LaLanne in the 60's, photo courtesy of CSU Archives/Everett Collection
When Jack LaLanne died Sunday, Jan. 23, I was actually kind of surprised — I thought that jumpsuit-clad fitness guru was going to live forever!
Sonja 20 years ago, after weight training for one year
I loved learning about bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cory Everson when I was first learning about weight training, and I still incorporate weights into my workouts today.
“The only way you can hurt the body is not use it,” LaLanne said. “Inactivity is the killer and, remember, it’s never too late.” It’s that kind of inspiration that made Jack such a beloved character over the years.
LaLanne said the turning point came in his life when he was a teenager and heard a lecture by pioneering nutritionist Paul Bragg, who advocated the benefits of brown rice, whole wheat and a vegetarian diet. After the lecture, he talked to Bragg for an hour and a half. Bragg told LaLanne, ”You’re a walking garbage can.” After that, LaLanne started working out daily with weights and swimming, and began eating a good diet.
“It’s a lifestyle, something you do the rest of your life,” LaLanne said.
In a way Jack LaLanne is immortal, because his ideas and encouragements live inside me and everyone who believes in his teachings. He “lived thin” his entire life, and was an inspiration to us all.
