Jack LaLanne

Jack LaLanne (born Sept. 26, 1914) is a fitness and nutritional guru, celebrity, lecturer, and motivational speaker. As a child he claims to have been sickly, but later sought professional help and, through motivation, change of diet, and exercise, gained excellent health in a short amount of time. He originally planned to enter the field of medicine; but in 1936 he opened his own health spa in California, encouraging clients to better themselves through weight-training. In 1951 Jack began to reach the American audience through television, which he continued for the next 30 years, giving on-screen instruction in fitness and exercise. His success as a body-builder became known worldwide, as well as his prodigious feats of strength: eg., at age 61 he swam the length of the Golden Gate Bridge 20 feet underwater handcuffed and shackled, towing a 2,000-pound boat (a world record). He has won numerous awards, including the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At age 89, he continues to work out every morning for two hours. He often says, "Death would ruin my image." Jack LaLanne lives with his wife Elaine (77) in Morro Bay, California.