Jack LaLanne, My Hero, An American Icon..............

Jack LaLanne Circa 1945

Today, my blog addresses a true hero to humanity.....a person who showed the world the way to physical and emotional health; a person who, against the advice of the learned minds of his day, led by example to illustrate what we humans can do to lead happier, prolonged lives.  This hero got relatively little recognition for his leadership role---certainly much less than deserved.

Francois Henri "Jack" LaLanne (1914---2011) was called "The Godfather of Fitness".  He was born in San Francisco to French Immigrant parents.

As a boy, he said he was addicted to sugar and junk food.  He said his life was a "living hell", and he suffered terrible migraine headaches and bulimia.  He said his life began to turn around when, at the age of 14, he heard a talk on health and nutrition which focused on the evils of sugar and meat.  He then began to change his life through nutrition and exercise.

He began working out daily, and returned to school, where he earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

In 1936, he opened the nation's first health and fitness club in Oakland, California.

Physicians, however, advised their patients against attendance at his club because they said his programs would lead to heart attacks and cause "muscle-boundness".   Doctors also said LaLanne was an "exercise nut".  Ha.  By 1980, LaLanne's European Health Spa locations numbered 200.

Jack and His Famous Dog

LaLanne had a television show, "The Jack LaLanne Show", that lasted 34 years---the longest running exercise show in history.

LaLanne blamed overly processed foods for much of the nation's health problems.  He advocated a meatless diet (with the exception of fish).  He ate two meals per day, and never snacked between meals.  His advice---"If man made it, don't eat it;  If it tastes good, spit it out."

Jack Teaches Nutritition

More advice--- "Do not warm up prior to exercise.  Does a lion warm up when he's hungry?  Uh oh---here comes an antelope...better warm up".

His daily workout regimens consisted of working muscle groups with resistance training until the muscles fatigued.  This technique is ubiquitous today, but was considered radical in the early days of weight training.

He was so far ahead of his time that it is laughable today.

A few of LaLanne's unbelievable feats:

---In 1954, at the age of 40, he swam the entire length of the Golden Gate Bridge (1.7 miles) underwater, with 140 pounds of air tanks strapped to his body

---At the age of 41, he swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf (1.25 miles) while handcuffed

---At the age of 42, he set a world record by doing 1,033 pushups in 23 minutes on television

---At 43 years of age, he swam the 1-mile Golden Gate channel while towing a 2,500 pound cabin cruiser

---In 1958, at age 44, he paddleboarded 30 miles non-stop from Fallon Island to San Fransisco

--In 1959, he did 1,000 jumping jacks and 1,000 chin-ups in 1 hour, 22 minutes

---In 1974, at age 60, LaLanne swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf while handcuffed, shackled, and towing a 1,000 pound boat

---In 1980, at age 66, he towed 10 boats carrying 77 people over 1 mile at North Miami, Florida

---In 1984, at age 70, he towed 70 rowboats over 1 mile in Long Beach harbor

Towing 10 Rowboats and 77 People

LaLanne has been awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

In a day and age when the media glorify the silly, sappy antics of Hollywood "stars" and superficial "celebrities", it is unfathomable that this true shining star did not receive nearly the recognition for his trail-blazing accomplishments that he deserved.

Jack LaLanne, Age 85

Jack LaLanne is as much a hero to me and others as I can imagine.  He is a true icon, worthy of the greatest praise as a role model who changed millions of lives by living his dream.

Do This For Yourself.......

I Wanna Look Like John!

After beginning to settle in from our move to Knoxville, I began  looking around for a workout facility.  Over the years, I have   belonged to a number of such gyms, and while the results in terms of weight loss and muscle building have always been good, other factors often spoil the experience.

Workout Anytime!  24/7.......No Contracts.......$15 a Month

For one, these spas require that a contract be signed.  This is problematic, because something may arise that prohibits you from continuing your membership.  In such a case, you are out a good piece of change.

John's Beautiful Workout Batmobile

Also, if you want to work out at 10:15 PM, and the facility's hours are from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM, you are out of luck, because the spa will be closed when you need it.  Or, if you want to work out on a holiday, and they are closed that day, you are again out of luck.

Weight Training Equipment

In addition, most of these workout clubs charge between $30---$60 a month for a membership---not a small amount.

And More Equipment

So, I was shocked when I ran across a workout facility near our home called "Workout Anytime".  This club is open 24/7.  When you join, you are given your own personalized key.  You can literally go there at any time, day or night, and let yourself in to work out at your convenience.

And More, and More........

Also, there is no contract to sign that locks you into anything.  And, my friends, the kicker here is that it only costs $15 per month to belong.  To put this in perspective....there is a pizza shop three or four doors down from this workout facility.  Their large, everything-on-it pizza costs $15.  Now, which is the best deal?---a pizza that will be gone in one meal, or being able to do something very good for your body every day for a month?  Kinda' a no-brainer.

Some of the Free Weights

This facility is owned by John Heifner.  John is a bodybuilder.  John builds his body without steroids.  All natural.  Good, wholesome food and disciplined workouts using cardio and weight training.  John is quick to point out that Jesus pilots his boat, and that the success of his business is due to his focus on God and following His leadings. 

Cardio Users Can Watch Any of Five Flat Screen TVs

John is a Registered Nurse, and for 18 years he rose through the ranks at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital, finally in the position of director over the Emergency Room, ICU and Respiratory Therapy.

A Few of John's Bodybuilding Trophies

But something was always on John's mind---the hospital was good at treating ill patients, but---like all hospitals---was not very good at prevention of health problems.


More of John's Trophies

John decided to try to help in that regard.  Several months ago he opened the Powell, Tennessee location of Workout Anytime.  So far, he has enrolled customers at a record pace.  When asked how he has accomplished such great numbers of enrollees, he shrugs and says "I haven't done anything more than anyone else in my position would do.......I am here most of the time, and I am friendly......but really, I look to God for guidance.  He is the One who gets all the credit."  Wow!---that's pretty darn refreshing to hear in this world of inflated egos and arrogance.

Now You Know Why John is Smiling

So far, after belonging to this club for about 5 weeks, I have experienced a consistent weight loss.  My muscle tone is very good.  I am building muscle mass in my upper body.  I feel really good, with more energy than ever.

If you're not working out now---this is the time to begin!