Never Too Old to Exercise With the Right Attitude

Jack LaLanne, widely noted as "The  Godfather of Fitness," who opened his own first  health spa in 1936 , has recently passed at age 96. He dedicated his life to encouraging people to better themselves through exercise and fitness.  LaLanne was an extraordinary man with a lesson for all of us about aging.  "People don't die of old age," said LaLanne, "They die of inactivity."

You can't help to be inspired by this fitness guru's life.  He wasn't simply talking about exercising and keeping fit.   He was an example.  At age 60 LaLanne swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf in the ice-cold San Francisco Bay.   This was a huge feat for anyone to achieve, but LaLanne did it handcuffed, shackled and towing a 1,000 boat.  When he was 70, he was again handcuffed and shackled towing 70 boats, carrying a total of 70 people, a mile and a half through Long Beach Harbor.

If you feel that you are too old to exercise, you only have to look at LaLanne's inspiring life.  He believed that exercise keeps one young, and encouraged others to believe that they could have great health with a good diet and exercise.  However, it takes discipline. 

But, this is what it takes to be a winner in whatever you want to accomplish.  Athletes live by this philosophy.  You have to see yourself succeeding in life, and refuse to allow age or any obstacles to get in your way.  

Because LaLanne had a strong belief in himself, in the 1930's, he pursued his career  weight lifting, bodybuilding, and chiropractic medicine, which was unheard of back then.  

However, when you have a belief in yourself, the Universe supports you and creative ideas come forward.    

LaLanne, a bodybuilder, designed the world's first leg extension machines and pulley machines using cables, and weight selectors, which is now a standard in the fitness world, and presently available in contemporary spas.  He also created a number of exercises, including the famous, "jumping jacks."

So, the next time you think you are getting too old to exercise think of LaLanne, who began the fitness movement.  He said,  "Anything in life is possible if you make it happen." 

Jack LaLanne at age 95: