Jack LaLanne Biography

Fast Facts

• A lecture on nutrition that he head as a teenager deeply influenced the career path he chose
• Invented the first modern exercise machines after opening a health club in Oakland
• Quote: "[on his longevity] "I cannot afford to die--it will ruin my image․""
• Quote: "The crusade is never off my mind--the exercise I do, the food I eat, the thought I think--all this and how I can help make my profession better-respected․ To me, this one thing--physical culture and nutrition--is the salvation of America․"
• Inspired the health movement that spurred the opening of weight rooms, exercise classes and fancy sports clubs throughout the nation
• Was the first television fitness guru, and in addition to leading Americans through daily calisthenics, he would perform stunts demonstrating his physical prowess
• At 61, he swam the length of the Golden Gate Bridge underwater while handcuffed and towing a 1,000 pound boat
• On his 70th birthday, he swam a mile and a half while towing 70 boats with 70 people aboard while handcuffed
• Was still working out for two hours a day at the age of 95
• Did 1,033 push-ups in 23 minutes at the age of 42 on "You Asked for It․"