Who was Jack Lalanne?

Jack Lalanne was a pioneer of fitness and health, and even in the 2020s remains a revered figure by many. He was born on September 26, 1914 in San Francisco, California, starting work as a physical fitness instructor in the 1930s. Over his long and influential career Lalanne came to be known as the “Godfather of Fitness,” inspiring millions around the world to adopt healthier lifestyles and embrace the benefits of physical activity and proper nutrition.

Lalanne began his journey to becoming a fitness icon at an early age. As a child, he struggled with poor health, plagued by various ailments including asthma, tonsillitis and acne. Determined to improve his situation, he began reading books on nutrition, sports and exercise, eventually developing his own exercise routines. This personal experience with the transformative power of exercise and eating well would become the foundation of his work as a fitness trainer.

In the 1930s, Lalanne opened his first gym in Oakland, California, the “Jack Lalanne Physical Culture Studio.” The gym was a pioneering concept at the time, offering a wide range of exercise equipment and classes, as well as health education and nutrition counseling. Lalanne’s passion for fitness was contagious, and his gym quickly became popular with people of all ages and fitness levels.

In the 1940s, Lalanne began hosting a television show called “The Jack Lalanne Show,” which aired on KGO-TV in San Francisco. The hugely popular show featured Lalanne demonstrating exercises and offering health and fitness advice, and it quickly gained a devoted following. In the 1950s, the show was syndicated and aired nationwide, making Lalanne a household name and leading to the expansion of his gym franchise.

Lalanne was also a pioneer in the use of fitness equipment and bodyweight exercises. He was one of the first to use weightlifting machines in his workouts, and he popularized bodyweight (also known as calisthenic) exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Lalanne believed that anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, could benefit from regular exercise, and he dedicated himself to developing workout regimens and equipment which could be accessible and effective for people of all abilities.

In addition to his work as a fitness instructor and TV host Lalanne wrote numerous books on exercise and diet, including Live Young Forever: 12 Steps to Optimum Health, Fitness and Longevity in which he explains how he reached the age of 95 in great shape. His books, like his television show and gym franchise, were aimed at helping people of all ages and fitness levels adopt healthier lifestyles and achieve their desired fitness goals.

Jack Lalanne inspired millions throughout his career, but here are just a few of the household names in the fitness sphere who have declared they were directly inspired by Jack LaLanne:

Tony Horton, creator of the popular fitness program P90X, has cited Jack LaLanne as one of his major inspirations.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has credited Jack LaLanne as one of his mentors and has said that he was inspired by LaLanne’s dedication to fitness.

Jillian Michaels, a personal trainer and television personality, has said Jack LaLanne was one of her heroes and that she learned a lot from him about the importance of exercise and healthy living.

Denise Austin, a fitness instructor and television personality, has also been inspired by Jack LaLanne and has cited him as a major influence on her own fitness journey.

Mark Wahlberg, the famous buff actor, has credited Jack LaLanne as an inspiration for his own fitness routine and has said he learned a lot from LaLanne about the importance of discipline and hard work.

Lalanne’s impact on the fitness world was significant and enduring. He inspired millions of people around the world to embrace the benefits of physical exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Lalanne continued to work as a fitness trainer and television presenter right up until his death in 2011 at the age of 96. Despite his passing, Lalanne’s legacy as the “Godfather of Fitness” lives on, and his contributions to the field of fitness continue to be recognized and celebrated.