The Guru of Exercise

When I was a kid my mother used to watch this fitness guru named Jack LaLanne. His was the first televised exercise program of its kind. I remember he wore this funny jumpsuit while doing jumping jacks and sit ups, coaxing all of us to do the same.

He quickly became a household name and started doing stunts to show off his strength and endurance. At 42 years old he did over 1,000 push ups in 23 minutes. Then, at age 45, he did 1,000 jumping jacks and 1,000 chin ups in 1 hour 22 minutes. He even swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman's Wharf while handcuffed. 

His popularity eventually landed him a star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame. During the ceremony he did push ups over his star. He was then 88 years old.

I'm no Jack LaLanne. But I do appreciate his enormous disciple and dedication. That said, my Irish upbringing bent a bit more toward camaraderie and the virtues of a good nap.....

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” – Irish proverb