Jack LaLanne: Wealthy in Health & Business
David Vogel
Solar Energy Mentor I Streamlining Federal Grant Approvals & Material Distribution for Commercial Solar Projects I Retired CEO Project SunRize I Pastor Church of Unity Society
Dear LinkedIn Colleagues,
"A small fib for a monumental cause" – this was my mantra in 1977 when, at the ripe age of 17, I confidently claimed to be 21 to gain entry into Jack LaLanne's gym on 86th Street in Brooklyn. This wasn't just a rebellious teenager's whim; it was a decisive step into a world where fitness transcended beyond mere exercise. The gym, a beacon of health revolution, was led by the indomitable Jack LaLanne, a man who redefined physical fitness from a passing fad to a vital way of life. As the sales clerk gave me a knowing wink and accepted my dues, I embarked on a journey that would shape not only my body but also my philosophy towards health and vitality. In this temple of transformation, Jack LaLanne was not just a gym owner but the architect of a wellness movement that inspired and continues to inspire millions.
A Man Before His Time
Jack LaLanne, a name synonymous with health and fitness, was not just a man but a force of nature. Born in 1914, his early life was a far cry from the robust image he later epitomized. As a child, Jack was addicted to sugar and junk food, leading to an unhealthy and troubled youth. But his life took a dramatic turn at 15 when he attended a health lecture by Paul Bragg, a nutritionist who inspired Jack to completely overhaul his diet and lifestyle. This moment marked the beginning of LaLanne's lifelong crusade against poor health.
LaLanne's transformation was nothing short of miraculous. He switched to a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and began lifting weights, an activity then considered unconventional and even harmful. Ignoring skeptics, LaLanne soon sculpted his body into a living testament to his fitness philosophy. He opened his first gym in 1936 in Oakland, California, one of the first of its kind, offering guided weight training and nutritional advice. His gym was a pioneer in an industry that was virtually non-existent, laying the foundation for the modern fitness movement.
But Jack LaLanne didn't just open a gym; he transformed the very concept of fitness. He brought exercise to the American public through "The Jack LaLanne Show," which began in 1951 and ran for over three decades. His television show wasn't just about exercise; it was about empowering people to take charge of their health. LaLanne's workouts were designed for accessibility, requiring no special equipment, making fitness achievable for everyone.
One of the most captivating aspects of LaLanne's legacy were his strongman stunts. These were not mere displays of strength, but symbolic acts underscoring his fitness philosophy. At 42, he set a world record for push-ups, completing 1,033 in 23 minutes. At 60, handcuffed and shackled, he swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, towing a 1,000-pound boat. These feats weren't stunts; they were statements - age is just a number, and limitations are often self-imposed.
Jack LaLanne was also a visionary entrepreneur. His chain of gyms laid the groundwork for the fitness industry as we know it today, a multi-billion dollar global enterprise. But for LaLanne, it was never just about business; it was about bringing health and fitness to the masses. He was a pioneer in promoting the benefits of weight training and nutrition, at a time when such ideas were often met with skepticism.
Meeting Jack Personally
As a lifelong fan, my admiration for Jack LaLanne reached its peak when he visited the gym he owned in Brooklyn (that was 1977). His presence was more than just a visit from a fitness legend; it was a personal honor in a place deeply influenced by his pioneering spirit. LaLanne embodied the belief in the body's capacity for self-healing and strengthening. His unique approach to fitness and health was vividly illustrated when he shared his perspective with a touch of humor,
"What the hell do doctors know about exercise? Most of them know zero."
This candid remark, controversial for its time, highlighted his innovative and sometimes unconventional approach. Jack LaLanne's approach often clashed with the conventional medical advice of his era. He once provocatively stated, reflecting on the skepticism he faced:
"When I first started out, I was considered a crackpot. The doctors used to say, 'Don't go to that Jack LaLanne, you'll get hemorrhoids, you won't get an erection, you women will look like men, you athletes will get muscle-bound — this is what I had to go through.'"
This statement encapsulates the resistance he faced and the persistence of his commitment to challenging and changing the narrative around exercise and health.
Sharing His "Vision" With Me
During his memorable visit, Jack shared with me a powerful routine for eye exercises. This was particularly poignant as LaLanne himself had poor vision and wore glasses at 15, but remarkably improved his sight through dedicated eye muscle exercises. When I mentioned my mother's reliance on glasses, LaLanne took the time to teach me his proven method of sight-without-glasses, emphasizing the significance of regular, targeted exercises to enhance vision.
This guidance was a reflection of his wider belief that every part of the body can be improved with consistent care and natural methods. His advice, coming from someone who transformed not just his vision but his entire health, transcended the specifics of eye exercises. It was emblematic of his approach to wellness: a combination of self-discipline, natural health practices, and profound faith in the body's inherent healing abilities. Jack LaLanne's presence and wisdom during that visit left an indelible mark, embodying the transformative power of his health philosophy.
Meeting Jack As An Adult
In the early 2000s, I had the chance to speak to Jack again. The personal video message he sent me, after our meeting, which I plan to digitize and share on LinkedIn, is a powerful reminder of his enduring impact on my life and the lives of countless others. LaLanne’s message of health and fitness transcends time, continuing to inspire even today.
Jack LaLanne's life was a journey of transformation, not just for himself but for the world. He was a man who saw the potential in everyone to achieve a healthier, happier life. His legacy is not just in the gyms he opened or the TV shows he hosted, but in the way he inspired people to break free from the shackles of poor health and embrace a life of vitality.
As we remember Jack LaLanne, let's not just reflect on his achievements but carry forward his message:
"The only way you can hurt the body is not to use it."
In an era where health often takes a backseat to our busy lives, LaLanne's philosophy is more relevant than ever. He was, indeed, a billionaire in terms of health, teaching us that the richest wealth we can possess is our physical and mental well-being.
领英推荐
Stay well!
Warmly,
David
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? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
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Not dead yet, but ready to die (in a not morbid way). Enjoying the Jenaissance.
9 个月He was certainly an interesting man, and the logic he used was interesting as well. I was going to write about him for my local magazine, and in researching I stumbled across a video clip about his policy on stretching: “You don’t need to stretch. Do you think a lion or tiger stretches before it overtakes it’s prey?!” I didn’t know what to think about stretching then… But I’m pretty sure it’s even more important now that I’m older. I wonder if he eventually warmed up to warming up.
Electronic Health Records Specialist | Driving Healthcare Efficiency and Data Integrity
9 个月Thank you so much David for this article, I greatly appreciate it and love it!! How great that you got to be a member of Jack LaLanne's fitness club! How awesome that you actually got to meet and speak with him!! I remember the early days watching him. I am interested in those eye excercises from him. I will look them up. I wonder if they are on his YouTube channel? Did you know got Denise Austin her public start on his show, and the rest is history. ?? ?? Yesterday was her birthday!! Happy Birthday Denise!!!! ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
Enable enterprises to achieve intelligent transformation with AI, Digital, and Cloud Solutions | VP of Digital Solutions at Pronix Inc
9 个月Thanks for posting
Art Collector @ Promoter | New Business Development | #AI Artist | Fashion Designer
9 个月This is such an inspiring story about Jack Lalanne, fren David Vogel! My Dad was such a big fan of his, and benefited greatly from his teachings. ????????