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Long before Jack LaLanne became an infomercial pitchman, he was America's best-known health and fitness advocate. He opened his first health gym in Oakland in 1936 and later lent his name to a popular chain of gyms. Starting in the 1950s, his exercise shows and guest appearances made him a TV fixture for decades. LaLanne died today at home in Morro Bay.
From the WSJ: "Cheerful and distinctively dressed in a jumpsuit and ballet slippers, Mr. LaLanne was fond of slogans like, 'First we inspire them, then we perspire them.' But behind the glib exterior was a philosophy of exercise and whole foods that was decades ahead of its time."