On January 23, 2011, Jack LaLanne died of respiratory failure at the age of 96 due to pneumonia at his home in Morro Bay, California.

When I first heard the news from a friend, I was speechless. Jack was the fitness icon who seemed like he would live forever, and he was even quoted as saying, “I can’t die, it will ruin my image”.

Jack Lalanne’s words in his famous “The Jack Lalanne Show” in the 1950’s hold as true today as they did back then. In fact, if you watch his videos (I have a sample video clip below), you will be struck by the quality of the information, his intense passion for fitness, and how far he was ahead of his time. He is a fitness icon who stood strong by focusing on the basics that really matter. He had an uncanny way of crystallizing what’s really important to your health, as you’ll see from the memorable quotes below.

I’ve compiled below key facts and information about Jack Lalanne as a tribute to his life and accomplishments. His legacy has left an indelible mark on fitness around the world and his spirit will endure for years to come.

Jack Lalanne Facts

Created the first Health Club & Spa in 1936. He built 200 health clubs and spas around the world, then licensed them in 1980 to Ballys Company, later renamed Ballys Total Fitness.

Created “Jumping Jacks” as a light aerobic warm up

Developed the first Leg Extension Machine, Cable/Pulley machines, and Calf machines

Authored 10 books on health & fitness and dozens of “self help” pamphlets

Encouraged women to lift weights in the 1930’s

“The Jack LaLanne Show” was the longest running television exercise program

Inventor of the Jack Lalanne Power Juicer, which has sold millions of units

www.jacklalanne.com Jack Lalanne Strength Feats Here are just a few of the dozens of impressive strength feats he has completed in his life: 1956 Age 42: Set a world record of 1,033 pushups in 23 minutes on You Asked for It, a TV Show with Art Baker. 1958 Age 44: Maneuvered a paddleboard 30 miles, 9-½ hours non-stop from Farallon Islands to the San Francisco shore. 1974 Age 60: Swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf, for a second time handcuffed, shackled and towing a 1,000-pound boat. 1980 Age 66: Towed 10 boats in North Miami, Florida filled with 77 people for over a mile in less than 1 hour. 1984 Age 70: Handcuffed, shackled and fighting strong winds and currents, towed 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen’s Way Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary, 1 ½ miles. Jack Lalanne Awards

Here are just a few of the dozens of awards he has received:

Dwight D. Eisenhower Fitness Award

Hollywood Blvd. Walk of Fame

Lifetime Achievement – State of California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness

Y.M.C.A. Impact Award