More on Jack LaLanne passing ...

A sad day in the world of Physical Culture.  Arguably the most influential physical culturist of the last 100 years.  It is impossible to know just how many people he influenced, how many lives he touched over the years.  To say that he was ahead of his time is a gross understatement.  Even now, over half a century after his television show went off the air, people are reaping the benefits of his incredible foresight.  Imagine what it must have been like for him in the 1950s-- advocating weight-training for athletes's when the conventional wisdom of the time recommended against it.  He was proven right.  Advocating that women not only exercise, but should weight-train as well.  Now, in 2011, there are as many women as men lifting weights in any gym.  He urged older persons to exercise, at a time when it was common to write off anybody over the age of fifty as being "too old."  We now know how regular exercise can benefit people of all ages, and that it is never too late.  He recommended exercise for pregnant women, for persons recovering  from surgery, for teenagers.  And he backed it all up with his incredible feats of strength, stamina, and endurance.  I am proud to have an autographed picture of him ( one of the few autographs that I have.)  I dare say that for many decades to come, when people hear the name Jack LaLanne, the image that will come to mind is of a vibrant, healthy man of incredible energy who inspired millions of people to enjoy the many benefits of exercise.  He will continue to inspire people for a long time.  Rest in Peace, Jack LaLanne.

Jim Duggan


I know that I should not be "shocked" that a 96 year old man has died, but its different with Jack. I somehow felt that he would live forever. He once jokingly said, "I can't die .. it would hurt my image" .. and he almost made us believe it. Jack was my first idol or role model and started my interest in fitness in the early 60's when I watched his TV show. He was a great man and one of the biggest names in physical culture history. We have lost a real legend of a man. Rest in peace Jack.

Bob Whelan