An Interview with the Godfather of Fitness

Jack LaLanne turns 94 on September 26, 2008 and that is hard to believe. He doesn’t look it! In public, young people flock to him and older people feel Jack has found the “Fountain of Youth”. 

Jack LaLanne is America’s Number 1 Physical Fitness Expert and Guru and is often called the “Godfather of Fitness”.  Nalisha had the opportunity to have a chat to Mr LaLanne and find out his secrets to staying so healthy and youthful.
 

Nalisha (N) : How did you educate yourself on the latest health and fitness information?

Jack (J): When I was 15, I  was a full blown sugar-holic. I had pimples and boils and had to drop out of school due to poor health. It was then that I attended a health lecture given by Paul Bragg who told me I could be born again if I changed my diet and began exercising. I followed his advice to the letter and within six month it changed my life. That is when I decided to devote my life to helping other people.  I bought Grey’s Anatomy and memorised it and later on became a chiropractor to learn the workings of the body. Then, as now, I use myself as a guinea pig to see how far I can push my body.  Many of my breakthroughs in the field of health and nutrition came as a result of this.

N: You were well ahead of your time. 

J: Yes! I invented much of the exercise equipment you see in today’s modern health clubs.

N: Did you find it a struggle to convince people to take care of their health and wellbeing back then?

J: Yes, even doctors discouraged exercising and smoking was prevalent everywhere. I was considered a charlatan and a crackpot.

N: What is your best piece of advice for those not yet actively involved in bettering their own health and fitness? What would you say to someone who complains they don’t have enough time to exercise or eat healthy?

J: That they are working at dying. Some people die at 40, but get buried at 70! You need to pay attention to your body’s needs as much as your business or personal needs.

N: Why are people so tired and lacking energy these days and what can they do about it? 

J: Because they don’t exercise and have poor nutrition. You need to put the right foods in this human machine to make it operate properly.

N: Talk me through your perspective on the mind / body connection? How important is mind strength on the path to a healthier lifestyle? 

J: You can’t separate the mind and the body. If you think you can, just try pulling back one of your fingers until you feel the agonising pain. They must work together. 

N: Can you tell me more about your 10 point plan for better health, wellbeing and weight loss that people can implement straight away? Most people know what to do, yet find it hard to get going

J: These points include: (1.) exercise, (2.) nutrition, (3.) positive thinking, (4.) good habits, (5.) grooming, (6.) a smile on your face, (7.) posture, (8.) helping others, (9.) relaxation, and (10.) faith. All of these elements combine to make you a better person readying you for a wonderful life.

N: In regards to exercise, how long should someone do cardio to lose weight and to keep their heart healthy? What do you recommend- jogging or walking? Can you get the same results from just walking for 45 minutes each day in terms of health and fitness as jogging for 20-30 mins?

J: At least 12 to 17 Minutes. Do vigorous walking and swinging your arms. We like to call it Dyna-stride.  Both are good, but I like to suggest mixing them as some people have bad knees and cannot jog very well.

N: What is the best way for this change in lifestyle to be maintained in your opinion? How do we discipline ourselves to keep up this healthy routine?

J: Think about the results.  Make it a habit just like eating or brushing your teeth everyday.

N: What are your views on people weighing themselves on scales to track their results? What’s the best way?

J: Use a tape measure. Believe it or not the scales can lie! You can easily lose muscle mass and replace it with body fat and end up weighing the same. However it is also good to weigh yourself from time to time.

N: What is a sample of a days diet that you recommend people eat to stay in tip top shape and health? J: Breakfast: Fresh juice (preferably from my power juicer!), egg whites scrambled with chopped vegetables, whole wheat toast with honey and a soy protein drink.  Lunch: Turkey sandwich on whole wheat toast, vegetable soup made without cream and 4 pieces of fresh fruit and water. Dinner: Fresh fish, broiled or poached, brown rice with chopped fresh undercooked vegetables and fruit for dissert.

N: What are your thoughts on moderation in regards to eating and how far can we really push this?

J: My motto is “Everything in moderation.” It’s not what you do some of the time that counts; it’s what you do most of the time that counts.

N: How do you personally motivate yourself to stay in tip top shape? 

J: I want to live a long healthy productive life and it is impossible if you are out of shape.

N: Do you ever find it hard to keep with this lifestyle? 

J: Actually I hate to exercise but I like the results, so I train like I’m going to an athletic event.

N: Have you changed or modified your routine much as you have gotten older?

J: I can’t do the things I did at 50, but I still workout with weights and swim everyday!

N: Do you believe people can reverse some of the negative effects they have created in their bodies by exercising and eating right from here on out?

J: Studies show that people from 60 to 90 placed on a good weight training exercise and nutrition regimen increase their strength in 6 to 8 weeks.

N: You obviously practice what you preach. What is your best tip for healthy aging? 

J: I’ll be 94 in September. Work at living, dying is easy.  Exercise is king, nutrition is queen, put them together and you have a Kingdom.

Nalisha Patel
HealthMastery- Mobile Personal Training.
www.healthmastery.co.nz

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