A few days ago the Godfather of Fitness Jack LaLanne passed away at the age of 96. It’s important to share some Jack LaLanne workout routine tips and also some inspirational quotes to show the new generation the “roots” of fitness.
I was surprised when I started telling people the bad news because a lot of these young whippersnappers had never even heard of him. Even though they very well know who Snooki and JWoww are, the man who brought everyday fitness into the homes of people across the world isn’t even on their radar.
“I do it as a therapy. I do it as something to keep me alive. We all need a little discipline. Exercise is my discipline.”
Jack LaLanne was the original “first fitness superhero” and even though people have heard of Richard Simmons or Jane Fonda for some strange reason they haven’t heard of Jack. He’s credited with creating the first “health club” out in Oakland, California in 1936 and they also named the Jumping Jack after him.
Even though some of his stuff has become out dated the basics are still very much relevant today. He adamantly blamed processed foods for the health problems in America and I agree 100%. I remember him once saying, “if it tastes good, spit it out.”
“Probably millions of Americans got up this morning with a cup of coffee, a cigarette and a donut. No wonder they are sick and fouled up.”
It’s totally true too when you think about it. We’re imprinted to enjoy all this man-made food such as pizza, cheeseburgers, burritos, and other junk food that we lose sight of what naturally tastes good to us. And I have to say that getting people to control their diets is easily the #1 thing that’s holding people back from achieving their dream bodies.
As far as his workout routine he practically invented the theory of training until muscle fatigue, which basically means that you do an exercise until you can’t lift it anymore even if somebody had a gun to your head.
This is something that’s also a mainstay of my training programs as well, when most people working out are lifting 5 pounds dumbbells doing biceps curls Jack was pushing his body to the limits and that’s what produces real results.
“Living is a pain in the butt. Dying is easy. It’s like an athletic event. You’ve got to train for it. You’ve got to eat right. You’ve got to exercise. Your health account, your bank account, they’re the same thing. The more you put in, the more you can take out. Exercise is king and nutrition is queen: together, you have a kingdom.”
I really liked how he was really against chemical additives and other drugs as he thought they were the root causes as to why people get physically and mentally ill. Even this recent study is dead on with what Jack LaLanne has been saying for decades.
“Over 90 percent of the teenagers who use drugs are suffering from malnutrition and they are unhappy and apprehensive about life. They live on junk food so, naturally, they’re in a stupor and want drugs to perk them up. . . So they become sick mentally, physically, morally and spiritually — you can’t separate the mind from the body.”
I don’t know how many people you can find who could tow 70 boats filled with 70 people while handcuffed on their 70th birthday. I’m drowning just thinking about it!
Take a couple minutes and watch the interview video below to find out some more Jack Lalanne workout routine tips along with some great advice on life in general. It was recorded last year when he turned 95 years old and it’s just a testament to what living a healthy lifestyle can do for you.
If you have any memorable Jack Lalanne moments please be sure to share them in the comments section below.
Sleep well Jack!
Josh
“You don’t have to call it God or Jesus. That’s religious humbug to a lot of people, but you’ve gotta believe that nature and spiritual things surround us. That is what put us here! I thank the universe for that every day of my life.”
Josh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Science. He’s a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and he’s a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) by American Council on Exercise. He’s worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the high school and college levels. He has over 15 years of experience as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. He strives to bring inspiration and results for people to live healthier lives through smart diet and exercise.
