Jack La Lanne "Godfather of Fitness"
Jack La Lanne is a name that is synomonous with health and finess. Born in 1915, Jack was not always into eating healthy and exercising. As a teenager, he was addicted to junk food and much of his diet consisted of sugar filled products.
At the age of 15 he heard a nutritionist, Paul Bragg speak and finally realized he was harming his body with his high sugar intake. He used Bragg's advice to change his eating habits and established a proper diet. He also began lifting weights and before long he saw his body change from weak, tired body to a healthy muscular young man.
Although he studied pre-med in college and graduated from chiropractic college, he became more interested in helping others with health and fitness. In 1936, at the age of 21, Jack opened the nation's first modern health spa. The public did not share Jack's opinions about health, fitness and weight training. Doctors discouraged people from using weights when exercising and people did not understand the benefits from the fitness programs Jack was promoting.
Jack remained undaunted and continued his approach to better nutrition and fitness. In 1951 Jack brought his fitness ideas to TV. His motivational show encouraged proper diet and daily exercise to millions of Americans.
Today, as he approaches 90 Jack is still active and people are amazed at his health- as he looks 30 years younger.
These days millions of people work out, run, lift weights and watch what they eat - all ideas that Jack introduced. Although it took many years for his ideas to catch on, Jack La Lanne is seen as the "Godfather of Fitness".