Looking Back in Fitness History: Jack LaLanne

We can learn from looking back into our history where to go in the future, and Jack LaLanne was an American visionary for health and fitness. I know many of you watched him over the decades as he taught Americans about health and fitness, often times in the face of adversity and scrutiny. However, he is still referred to the as the “godfather of fitness.”

Jack was born in San Francisco in 1914 at a time when our country was excited about sports. By 1918, physical education became a mandated activity in some public schools and supported the idea of health and fitness. During the early 1900s we also faced many health crises, such as influenza, smallpox, typhoid fever and other devastating communal diseases. The country was looking for answers and exercise became an avenue to keep people healthy.

In 1936, Jack opened the first health and fitness club in Oakland. This was unheard of at the time, especially since our country was still in the throes of the Great Depression. However, Jack was determined to teach and train people how to be healthy. He also introduced some of the first weight machines, such as the leg extension and pulley machines. These are all common pieces of weight equipment still seen in clubs today. Jack was truly a visionary.

By the time the 1950s came around, Jack was put on television where he reached an audience nationwide. For 30 years, people would wake up to The Jack LaLanne Show and start their day with his morning exercise routines.

As Jack aged, people thought he would retire, but he continued his passion for health and fitness by working on an Internet radio channel with his wife Elaine. Jack also continued to stay in top physical condition. He absolutely lived what he preached.

Jack LaLanne died on January 23 at the age of 96, leaving behind his wife of 51 years and three children. As a nation, we will forever be grateful for his enthusiasm and promotion of health and fitness. It's always good to look back and learn from the people that taught us so much.

Here is a link where Jack LaLanne reminds us in his own words how to be happy and be fit all at the same time.

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