Jack Lalanne is an icon in the fitness world. Some of the things he has accomplished in his stay on this planet are unmatched by anyone in the world.  He is known as “The Godfather of Fitness” and rightfully so.  Jack Lalanne, with his inventions, his endurance, and his persistence has given the fitness community more than any one person should be able to.

Jack Lalanne studied the human body profusely throughout his life. Some of his tactics were considered crazy at the time, but today are commonplace. As with the integration of any new type of thinking, it is at first rebuked, then eventually accepted.

Jack opened the first modern health studio in 1936. At that time, not many people lifted weights. Coaches thought it would destroy their player’s abilities. People didn’t want women to lift weights, because they thought they would look like freaks.  He was only 21 at this time and many “professionals” believed that he was out of his mind. Looking back on this logic, it seems ridiculous now.  Every serious athlete in the world now understands that weight lifting is an essential part of any fitness routine.

Jack also understood the importance of starting any routine with a balanced diet. He knew how important the right foods were to anyone.  He then combined the Jack Lalanne diet with a whole-body approach to working out. He developed several workouts and considered every muscle in the body for all of them.  He invented several exercise machines that we take for granted today. He invented the first leg extension machine that is a staple in any weight room in the country.  He also invented the first pulley machines with cables.

Besides pioneering the fitness movement, Jack also performed several amazing feats of strength and endurance.  At age 60, he swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman’s Wharf. This may not seem like such a big deal. However, while swimming he was handcuffed, shackled and towing a 1000 pound boat!

Another unbelievable act took place when Jack Lalanne was 70. At this age, he towed 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen's Way Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary for 1 ½ miles!  This is amazing for a 20 year old, much less, someone 50 years older.

At the age of 88, Jack received a star on the famous Hollywood Blvd. Walk of Fame. This commemorated a lifetime of achievements in the fitness world.

Many would say that Jack has lived a full life. He accomplished so much that he might consider retiring or taking it easy. However, his fame and fortune still grows today. His world renowned Jack Lalanne Juicer is seen all over the world.  He endorses this high-quality product because it is a large part of his fitness regimen.  It is a part of the Jack Lalanne diet that has contributed so much to people’s lives over the years.

We should feel fulfilled if we accomplish half as much in our lifetimes as Jack Lalanne has accomplished in his.