Jack LaLanne, famous fitness guru, will be celebrating his 95th birthday tomorrow, September 26th. His life is full of amazing tales and Jack was happy to stroll down memory lane with me. Who knew I’d ever be lucky enough to ask, “What’s your story, Jack?”
Jack was born in San Francisco on September 26, 1914. His parents were French immigrants and he notes, “I couldn’t even speak English until I was 4 years old!”
To my surprise, Jack wasn’t born into a life of nutrition. He wasn’t always such an energetic guy, enjoying attention for his great physique or avoiding sweet treats. Instead, Jack was a troubled and angry child. “I was a sick, weak, miserable kid. I became a sugar-holic. Life was sugar, sugar, sugar- I had blinding headache everyday and an uncontrollable temper, can’t believe it, I was sick all the time!” By the time Jack was 15, he had dropped out of school and didn’t know where his future was headed.
After dropping out, Jack’s mother wanted to get him back on track. She heard about a lecture from Paul Bragg, now known as the pioneer in America’s wellness movement, and wanted to bring Jack there to listen to his motivational words. Jack admits he only went because he was forced by his mother, but shortly after, he was quite thankful he made the decision to attend.
That lecture changed Jack’s life. But their tardiness almost caused them to miss the opportunity. As Paul Bragg’s lecture had already started when they arrived, they started to leave. Paul stopped speaking and announced to the crowd “We don’t turn anybody away. Usher, put those seats and put them on the stage.” As Jack remembers, “Then my mother and I sat in front of all the audience. I was so embarrassed!”
Jack became fascinated with Paul’s lecture and shared the words that really sunk in “It matters not what your age is or present physical condition, if you obey nature’s laws, you can be born again!” Jack said, “My eyes opened up. I wanted to be born again. I wanted to be an athlete, I wanted the girls to like me! I went home that night and got down on my knees and prayed.”
The next morning, Jack joined the YMCA and became a strict vegetarian. And as he says it, “Just like that, my life changed.”
With his new sense of purpose, he went back to school and then built a small gym in his backyard. “I had all the policeman and firemen who couldn’t pass the physical, working out in my backyard. Then, every one of them passed the physical.” These types of examples gave him drive to think bigger. He wanted to help more people change their lives.
Realizing that he could really help people, Jack opened his first health club in 1939 at the age of 25. He had women and older people lifting weights, which at the time was unheard of. Everyone said his gym wouldn’t last. And he proved them all wrong. He was dedicated to building the gym and would recruit people to become members every way he knew how. “I used to go to schools, you know I had this body, I had won all these physique contests, so all the kids knew me. I put on a tight t-shirt and went to biggest high school in Northern California, Oakland High at noontime- all the kids were there. I go there with a t-shirt and all the kids would come around me…I’d pick up the biggest kid I could find, I’d pick up the skinniest kid I could find. I got their phone numbers and address and would go to their homes at night. If I’d go to 20 homes, I would sell 20 people.”
Jack’s gym starting booming with business, so much so, that he had to close membership. “I was doing such a good job with kids, that the parents started calling.”
Jack’s popularity not only continued to grow, but skyrocketed with his new TV fame on The Jack LaLanne Show. His friend at the time told him about the audition, so he went down to Los Angeles to meet with the producer. After making the producer do exercises, Jack scored the gig. Jack taught his audience ways to exercise and motivated them to lead a healthier lifestyle. The Jack LaLanne Show was the first nationally syndicated exercise show and the longest in history to run on air. Check out a clip here:
Throughout the years, Jack LaLanne also became famous for his daring stunts. Every year he tries to out-do himself. “On my 70th birthday, I towed 70 people, with my feet and hands tied, for a mile and a half!” See below for a few of his stunts, visit Jack LaLanne’s list of accomplishments here.
1954- Age 40
Jack swam the entire length of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA, underwater with 140 pounds of equipment, including air tanks – A world record.
1974- Age 60
For the second time, Jack swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf. Again he was handcuffed, but this time he was also shackled and towed a 1,000-pound boat.
1979- Age 65
Jack towed 65 boats in Lake Ashinoko near Tokyo, Japan. He was handcuffed and shackled, and the boats were filled with 6,500 pounds of Louisiana Pacific wood pulp.
1984- Age 70
Once again handcuffed and shackled, Jack fought strong winds and currents as he swam 1.5 miles while towing 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen’s Way Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary.
More recently, Jack has been focused on the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. “I started juicing when I was 15, so I believe in it whole heartedly.” If you’ve seen the infomercials, then it’s no surprise to know that Jack’s still super fit and energetic. If juicing will help me to live to 95, I’m jumping on board. Looks pretty yummy too!
Jack still also maintains a rigorous fitness and nutrition regimen today. He still exercises for multiple hours a day. I told him to relax and eat a piece of chocolate cake for his birthday. No such luck- now that’s determination!
When asked if he had a stunt planned in honor of his 95th birthday, “I wanted to swim from Catalina Island to Los Angles underwater- that’s a trick I always wanted to do. But my wife says if I do, she’ll divorce me.” Smart man. So instead, “I’m going to tow my wife across the bathtub!”
Leave your birthday wishes below as a comment and I’ll be happy to send them along to him!
Visit Jack LaLanne to learn more.
