No doubt if you are of a certain age, you are familiar with Jack LaLanne. He is the first person to have a nationally-televised exercise show.
As I listened the the news after the NY Jets failed to advance to the Superbowl, the normal programming was interrupted with the announcement that Mr. Jack LaLanne succumbed to death as a consequence of respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He was 96 years old.
Jack LaLanne was instrumental to me pursuing a career in fitness and wellness. I was five years old then. He demonstrated through his lifestyle that one can avoid diseases and conditions many believe are associated with aging like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and immobility by making healthy food choices consistently as well as engaging in physical activity on a regular basis.
Jack LaLanne hit the nail on the head when he said that, "the only way to hurt your body is not to use it." He recognized that "inactivity is the killer" and that "it is never" too late to get started."
As I reflect on all the programs that are currently being televised and the growth of the health and fitness industry, it would not be an understatement to say today's fitness and wellness professionals owe many thanks to Mr. Jack LaLanne for getting the message out that exercise is medicine.
Jack LaLanne was truly the real deal. He will be missed.
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