Jack LaLanne, fitness innovator was 96

jack-lalanne.jpgLong 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."


More by Kevin Roderick:
Ralph Lawler of the Clippers and the age of Aquarius
Riding the Expo Line to USC 'just magical'
Last bastion of free parking? Loyola Marymount to charge students
Matt Kemp, Dodgers and Kings start big weekend the right way
LA Times writers revisit their '92 riots observations
Recent Obituaries stories on LA Observed:
Bill Skowron, ex-Dodger and Angel was 81
Lucy Delgado, Mothers of East LA founder was 87
Bob Dylan on the passing of Levon Helm
Jesse Linares, city editor was 49 *
Dick Clark, TV music pioneer was 82 *

New at LA Observed
Follow us on Twitter

On the Media Page
Go to Media
On the Politics Page
Go to Politics

LA Biz Observed
Arts and culture

Sign up for daily email from LA Observed

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


Advertisement
LA Observed on Twitter and Facebook