Fitness pioneer, Jack LaLanne, dies at 96

Jack LaLanne, who is perhaps best known as the over-enthusiastic geriatric that pushed his juicing machine in late-night infomercials, died this past Sunday, he was 96.  As a personal trainer, this headline speaks volumes about the importance of exercise and and a healthy diet in our lives.

According to sources close to LaLanne, he continued to practice what he preached throughout his very long life. “LaLanne ate healthy and exercised every day of his life up until the end, said LaLanne’s agent, Jack Hersh.

LaLanne’s love and passion for fitness started as early as his teens.  His career began in 1936 when he opened a weight gym for men and women athletes-a big “no no” at that time.  Then in the 1950s, LaLanne hosted a popular fitness show that lasted into the 1970s.

Over the years LaLanne’s fitness stunts included doing more than 1,000 push ups within 23 minutes on a television show, and an impressive swim from San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Although he failed to first patent his makeshift workout equipment, Lalanne has been credited with creating the first home gym. 

"It's a lifestyle, it's something you do the rest of your life," LaLanne said. "How long are you going to keep breathing? How long do you keep eating? You just do it."

What fitness and health goals have you set for your life?