Jack Lalanne was a visionary. As a kid growing up in San Francisco, California in the 1920's, Mr. Lalanne was addicted to junk food. He was unhealthy, self-conscious and mean. Then one day he went to a talk by health food pioneer Paul Bragg. Young Jack was 15 years old and he left that talk determined to turn his health around. That fateful day would later become known as the beginning of Jack's reign as "the godfather of fitness." Lalanne would go on to study chiropractics, and in 1936 he opened a gym and health spa in Oakland, California. Lalanne's revolutionary fitness empire had begun!
But that's just the back story! On top of being one of the most charismatic people around (his charisma helped a good bit with his TV show from 1951 to 1985), this guy was an animal! For instance, at the age of 41 Jack swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf in the cold and rough San Francisco Bay...while handcuffed. When he was 60 he repeated the swim. But this time he was handcuffed, shackled, and towed a 1000 pound rowboat across the bay! Of course, these feats are just the tip of the iceberg for the man who first brought the idea of weight training into American homes. He continued these incredible feats into his seventies, constantly
inspiring and leading folks everywhere to be happy, take care of themselves, and live the healthiest life possible (sound like a familiar mission?). A novel could be written about the things Jack Lalanne accomplished in his lifetime. And even then, words could not describe his character. So please, if you haven't been affected by Mr. Lalanne, we encourage you to find out for yourself. Check out his website jacklalanne.com or watch one of his many videos to find out more about what he accomplished in his 96 years with us. Mr. Lalanne passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 in the coastal town of Morro Bay, California. But his legacy lives on in everyone who strives to be happy and healthy.
Cheers Mr. Lalanne! And thank you for everything.
Team Fluid
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