This question comes up almost every week so I am writing it on my blog.
Are the exercises in your shows and your Videos updated to today’s exercises?
Here’s my answer…
You have 640 muscles in your body (55 muscles in your face) They all need their share of work. The exercises in my video’s are as viable today as they were 50 years ago and will be 100 years from now.
Do you still do push ups today? And what is an average day like for you Jack?
Jack works out two hours EVERYDAY. He does an hour and a half in the gym and a half hour in the pool. He eats two meals a day, one at 11 and one at 7. He enjoys soup without cream, made with fresh vegetables, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs (only the whites), fish, and sometimes turkey. He has a lot of telephone interviews during the day. Jack and his wife, Elaine are often on the road lecturing.
Healthfully,
Claire
How does Jack justify two meals a day? Most information I have researched says five to six meals a day helps to INCREASE metabolism while few meals SLOWS metabolism. What has Jack said about this?
Dear Ron,
The LaLanne’s are on the road so much, doing health lectures. They do not have a lot of time, quite often.
You have to do what is best for you and your body, and it just so happens that two meals a day works well for Jack.
Healthfully,
Claire
Hmm. Okay. Thanks Claire. That was speedy response time!
I have tried to take off 15 pounds for five years. I walk everyday and eat 5-6 small meals aday. Nothing seems to help. I am 5′ 3″ tall and 155 pounds. Does Jack hear this statement from women and what would this physically fit young man suggest?
Has Jack thought of doing an up-to-date show for seniors and baby boomers?
Thank you for your response.
Kathy,
Yes, Jack believes that with proper exercise this can be achieved.
Good Luck!
Healthfully,
Claire
HI Jack and Claire,
I will be buying your vintage video collection. I was just looking at some of the videos online and think they are very relevant today. When I was a kid I used to exercise along with you Jack. ;0) One of my favorite exercises was the bicycle. I still like that one too.
Thank for everything.
Linda
Jack, I just wanted to say that I used to watch your show in the 60′s (alot) with my Mom. Your ballet slippers were quite the butt of a few jokes (sorry, but it was all in good fun)….. Still, I remember you, and your show is still in my brain. I took up driving iron during my stent in the Marine Corps at 19. I’m almost 50 now and still workout regularly. The achilles is nagging me now and is limiting my running unfortunately. I saw you about 2 years ago on TV and you looked great. I hope that I can look that good in my 90′s; it’s approaching fast. I’m glad to see that your still doing well.
To 100 and beyond,
Mike
Claire,
What are Jack’s plans for his 95th birthday? Is he still taking that 20-mile swim? And will it get press
coverage?
Joe
Joe,
Thank you for time to write to Jack LaLanne. Jack is very enthusiastic for his 95th Birthday and really wants to swim the Catalina channel. Unfortunately, his wife Elaine says she will divorce him if he tries it and he is only allowed to tow her across the bathtub!!!
Healthfully,
Claire
Hello,
I just wanted to say that I met you and your wife about 11 years ago in Atlanta at St Joseph’s Fitness and Wellness Center. I think the two of you are a great inspiration to all! I would love it if the president and or his wife would do something with you! It would be great! Healthy people are happier people! Take care and God bless you both, Jennifer
We just wanted to stop in and thank Jack and his wife for helping to open our eyes. My wife and I are in our 30′s and have recently adopted an ALL natural diet and exercise. We have quit smoking and eating ALL junk foods. While neither of us are overweight; we still felt that we were not really living like we should. Then one day my wife and I stumbled upon your juicer and we fell in love with it. And we have been feeling better everyday.
For too long we put our trust into the mainstream food manufacturers to provide us with healthy food. But our veil was lifted when we began to research the actual ingredients in many of today’s products.
Even the supposed “healthy” foods.
A quick question about the LaLanne’s veggies: Are they Organic? and non GMO? Also Does jack not eat or drink ANY dairy and if not why?
Thanks so much for your time and bless the LaLannes for all they have done for the world.
Sincerely,
Jerry and Gina
Hello!
I really miss the video previews that were on the old website!
I am thinking the chair exercise video might be an appropriate gift for a 78 year old relative I will be visiting this summer. He is an Irish monk in a monastery. I have no idea what sort of fitness program the monks have, if any, so I am making inquiries.
Also, it would be nice if these DVDs and videos were available in formats for the European market.
I can’t believe Jack is almost 95 but it’s so great to see him brimming in life and as enthusiastic as ever!
First of all I am a big fan of Jack and his mission in life of promoting health and physical fitness to the rest of the world. Throughout my studies of exercise science and chiropractic he has been one of my biggest inspirations.
I have a few questions. Did Jack ever practice chiropractic, if he did where and when? I was also wondering if Jack and his wife still do lectures and if they do is there a schedule available?
Thanks for your time,
Jon
Hello. I am amazed at Mr. LaLanne’s energy and physique for any age, let alone 94. I am curious about a few things. First, does he use organic produce and if so, how long has he done this. Secondly, are his measurements the same as they always were? I wondered if he noticed the waistline growing with age or if he has “shrunk” a bit in height. I only ask this because I wonder if eating healthy and exercising stops these things from happening or is it inevitable as you age. Possibly a genetic disposition. Thirdly, has he had any health problems at all? Again, just seeing the long term effects of good eating and exercise habits.
I watched him with my Mom in the 60′s as well, and have showed my children the youtube video’s. They are so very impressed. Thank you for being such an inspiration to today’s youth.
Lisa C.
Utah
Thank you Jack & Elaine for your wonderful energy & inspiration! I remember seeing your show when I was a child & am using your videos now to improve my health. Bless you always!
What does Jack do for the 1.5 hrs in the weight room? Does he do his whole body everyday, a few muscles each day, etc?
Dan,
Jack does different areas of his body every day. One day he might do his chest, then maybe his legs…He changes his schedule every thirty days, and makes his workouts fit him the best they can.
Healthfully,
BeFit Enterprises
Lisa,
Jack has been using organic produce on and off for the past 80 years. Whenever Jack has the opportunity to consume organic produce, that is his first choice, however due to his busy traveling schedule organic is not always available. He tries to find the most fresh and nutritious vegetables they have in local restaurants and stores.
Each individuals metabolism is different. In Jack’s case, he can still fit into jeans from High School. Due to his current workout routine, his chest and arms are not as big as they used to be, while competing for Mr. America. Rest assured at almost 95 Jack is in the best shape he could be in.
Jack does get regular medical checkups and the Dr.’s has given him a clean bill of health.
“Anything in Life is Possible, if YOU Make it Happen!”
Healthfully,
Claire
Jon,
Jack went to Chiropractic college in Oakland, CA. He graduated with a Chiropractic degree. He used his education to further understand the work of the body when he opened his first Health Club in 1936. His understanding of the body catapulted him to the top of his profession and greatly contributed to his success.
Healthfully,
BeFit Enterprises
Jack, I am making a health shake after every workout. I’ve been all over the internet and can only find the following:
“I use a quart of carrot and celery juice, half and half, then put in two heaping tablespoons of wheat germ, two more of nonfat-milk solids, two more of high-strain brewers’ yeast, then a heaping tablespoon of bone meal and a banana. Then I put in 100 liver-yeast tablets, 15,000 milligrams of vitamin C, 2000 units of B, some boron and some zinc; also 75 alfalfa-and-kelp tablets. Then I blend it and drink it. It’s one of the worst-tasting health drinks you could have, but I still drink it, because it’s the perfect breakfast. It’s got about 40 grams of protein, all the B-complex vitamins, everything that’s natural from the carrot and celery juices, the enzymes, the trace elements, calcium and potassium from the bone meal. And it’s very low in calories. After you work out like me, you’re not hungry; you’re thirsty.”
Have your modified your ingredients over the years?? Would you please send me your newest shake recipe?
Thank You.
Robb Deignan
A total lifelong inpiration. Jack you were the first in so many things. With training, nutrition, exercise machines, weight training and on and on. Your work 50 yrs ago is totally relevant today. Keep going man and bless you and your wife. You are wonderfull. Thank you for a lifetime of inspiration and perspiration.
Robb,
Thank you for taking the time to write to Jack LaLanne. It would be best for you to check with a nutritionist to see which kind of protein shake would work the best for your specific needs and workouts. Jack always says, that what is good for one person, might not be good for another. Keep on keeping on!
Healthfully,
Claire
Hi Phil,
I don’t get to blog as often as I like since Elaine and I travel quite a bit,
but I wanted to answer your very kind blog comment. My assistant, Claire, has been
kind enough to type it for me. Thank you for giving me all that credit, I’m
humbled. Remember, when I first began preaching against smoking, junk food,
and sugary drinks those manufacturers were not happy with me. I was called a
crackpot and a charleton. So contemporary history in the 1930s and 40s wouldn’t
say kind things about me anyway even if I was lucky enough to be mentioned
at that time. However, I am happy to see time has corrected that problem
and people like you can proudly get a good education at a decent college in
clinical exercise physiology because in my day I had to learn it all on my own!
But it did lead me to complete chiropractic college where I learned the workings of the
body. My lectures for 2010 will be posted on our website as I have other
events planned through the end of this year. I am not a politician, I like to call myself a trimnastocrat and I advocate a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. Take care
and stay healthy-Jack LaLanne
Jack, I appreciate all the information. I hope you are still doing well. I teach my children and nieces
about you. We did buy the juicer as well. It got the kids interested in fruits and veggies too!
Dear Jack,
I just bought an Express Power Juicer. Wow. We look forward every day to a new fresh infusion of the best vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables. I never imagined beets could taste so good! I am 61 years old but remember you from my early childhood so you almost seem like a family member to me. Since I have believed every word you say for the past 55 years, and watched your and Elaine’s program on juicing, I said why not give it a try – and for the best price I’ve seen too! The juicer is not only attractive on my counter and quiet, but it works perfectly. Last night it was apple, strawberry, orange and a bit of fresh ginger. Thanks, Jack.
Hello Claire.
I wanted to say Hello to you and the LaLanne’s.
Two things; my son did a report for school last year on one “famous person.” I told him to write about Jack LaLanne. Not only did his report get an “A”, the teacher, and many of the class wanted to ask a LOT of questions about Jack LaLanne and exercising. Something our kids today do NOT do anymore. My son has been weightlifting since age 5. I have been weightlifting since age 34. I am 57 now…
Second: in the twenty four years of weightlifting, I had 4 bypass surgery in the hospital 2 months ago. The blockage was 95%! I had NO signs of anything wrong. Entirely due to exercising. I woke up after only 4 hours in recovery. Was moved to my room 1 hour later. Started walking the next day. Was back home after 6 days. Back to work after 2 weeks of rest/recovery (if you could call it that!) I spent the two weeks painting my house!. About 1/2 way back to lifting full weights again. NONE OF THIS would have been possible without daily exercising.
Thank you, Jack…
.I want to thank you for teaching me at a very young age the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. I watched your tv show and did the exercises with you when I was very young. I’m in my 60′s now, have always been very active and the habit of exercising in front of the tv has stayed with me all my life. Your enthusiasm and zest for life was contagious and I will always be grateful. I always looked forward to seeing your white German Shepherd too. I now have a GSD, that is a certified therapy dog. She keeps me company while I do my exercises. I’ve always wanted to contact you to let you know how much I admire you, and how you taught me that exercise is fun and will always be part of my daily schedule, so appreciate finding this website tonight. You are the best and I’m so glad to see you and your lovely wife doing so well!
Does Jack LaLanne believe that with a proper diet and daily exercise people can be just as physically strong and agile in their 90s and 100s as they were in their 20s? Or does this slowly decline over time regardless of how healthy one’s lifestyle is, but would not be as bad as if one did not eat healthy or exercise on a daily basis? Thank you, Jack
Mr. and Mrs. Jack LaLanne, I am writing to you folks and also to Claire, who takes time to write this blog; to show my appreciation for the inspiration you no doubt have provided millions over the years. I found out about you today as I was listening to the audio book by Dr. Mark Liponis, titled Ultra Longevity. Even though I have never seen your commercial or read any of the books but what you have achieved according to this book was no doubt remarkable, especially to a man, who has been near death 5 times and yet his goal is to live to be 120 and enjoy all the things I enjoyed doing when I was 21. At least for now at 68 I do feel like 21. After reading about you and your wife it is even more reassuring to me that such a life is possible for those who take the time and put effort into achieving all this.
I want to wish you all the very best life has to offer, live with passion, every moment of every day!
God bless you all. I would love to hear from jack or his wife or even Claire
Paul
Dear Dave,
Jack takes vitamins A-Z. We do not provide a list of what Jack takes, as everybody’s needs are different. What might work for Jack may not necessarily be what another person requires. We suggest you consult with your doctor or dietician as to what vitamins and supplements would be suitable to your needs.
Healthfully,
Colleen
Dear Jack and Family,
I identify with you so much. I just watched one of your videos and it was amazing how you were so correct and so inspiring in your advise.
I am a new physical therapist assistant (at age 60) in florida working with seniors. I will take your inspiration with me.
I discovered Jack at age 10 when my family moved to the Bay Area and my brother and I would watch his show every day during the summer. Having taken up Yoga as a college student I was already into physical culture by Jack’s 60th birthday; I had just driven my wife to work and heard on KCBS that he was about to pull a weighted dinghy from Alcatraz to the SF Yacht Club. The tides were not in his favor and only a superhero–or Jack–could have gotten himself untangled from the currents that carried him into the curve of pilings supporting the Municipal Fishing Pier; those of us on shore broke into wild applause when he made it out after a major struggle and headed straight for the beach (some poor fellow had a seizure from the excitement, so the doctor waiting with oxygen was otherwise occupied when Jack hit the beach, looking a might blue, old ladies mobbing him even as he was still in the process of standing up). After a shower, he looked like your average movie star coming out of a sauna, and spoke with the press as if he had just come back from walking his dog. I have been more than a casual devotee of his attitude and methodology since that time.
–Now that I have gratuitously related that bit of known history, I have a question: I look pretty good–my only six-pack is my abs, and I’m 58. But I have acquired a debilitating nerve disorder over the years, originally diagnosed as FM, but it’s probably dystonia; I go through holy hell every time the Pacific fog comes in at night (it feels like icepicks and axe handles). This may be a result of occupational methanol exposure. I have lost 40 pounds and three inches in height, but I am having some good results with intensive sauna/hot spring visits, daily exercise, and pigging out on good food, and have gained back ten pounds and much needed muscle mass this year. I know Jack isn’t a doctor, but I’m not asking for medical advice. I would like to know if Jack has known of people that made progress against nerve disorders while using any of the practices he teaches, and which ones they may have found helpful. I know all kinds of techniques are used to heal people with nerve damage, but what might I be able to do for myself that need not involve my doctors? (I have an excellent heart, thank God, and the cholesterol of a wild man, so they have nothing but encouragement for my exercising). I’ve been in pain 24 hours a day except in hot weather for years and can barely sleep; my career and long-term marriage have been destroyed by this illness (I would have moved years ago if my wife had beeen willing). Any information at all would be helpful!!! I will do anything I have to, and have a record of doing things I’m not “supposed” to be able to.
Hi Jack
Is peanut butter healthy? I use peanut butter as a hunger pain treat. When I get hungry
in between meals or late at night (sometimes in the middle of the night) I have a tablespoon
of peanut butter. Would you say this is good or bad?
Georgette in AZ
Hi Jack,
I work with a singer songwriter/lifetime bodybuilder Ray Sanders. Ray was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and starred on the TV show Hee Haw. Anyray, Ray has been a fan of yours for many years. He is 74yrs old, but could pass for 50. He currently lives in Hawaii. He said he has never met you in person, but would love to attend your 95th B-Day party. He said he actually met your Niece the other day!! Both you and Ray are inspirations to me!!! Stay healthy, abnd take care always.
Randy
Randy,
Thank you for taking the time to write to Jack LaLanne. In regard to the Birthday Party, it is filled to capacity at the moment, and tell Ray that Jack says hi, and to keep up his exercises always!
Healthfully,
Claire
Georgette,
Jack says that he has never heard that peanut butter is bad for you. If it is soaked in hydrogenated oil, that is not good. Remember, Jack always says everything in moderation.
In Health,
Claire
Christopher,
Thank you for taking the time to write to Jack LaLanne. I just read your email to the LaLanne’s and Mrs. LaLanne commented that the way you wrote your account of Jack’s swim, brought back a vivid memory, she was very impressed with your writing. In regard to your question about your condition…It sounds like in as much as you have gained ten pounds, and are exercising, and eating properly, it sounds like it’s helping you. Jack suggests that you check with your Health Care Professional regarding massage and acupuncture. Jack suggests that you check out his book, “Revitalize Your Life” which contains much encouragement and motivation. It is important that you continue with your Health Care Professional, because he is the one that knows your situation, as Jack doesn’t.
Healthfully,
Claire
Ryan.
Jack feels that through regular exercise it can help you live to be into your 80′s and 90′s. As for being able to do the things that you did in your 20′s, that remains to be unseen.
Keep on Keeping on, and remember, “Anything in Life is Possible, if YOU Make it Happen!”
In exercise,
Claire
Christopher
I have had great success with increased mobility in spinal cord injury friends with the addition one teaspoon of seaweed (dulse) and one teaspoon of bone meal added to the good a daily diet. This recomendation came from my health advisor to help me with tremors.It also works great for joint pain.
I LOVE YOU JACK!!!
I have been watching you since 1959 when I was just a baby and my mom put me in front of the tv to exercise with you….it was my destiny…I have been in beauty, health and fitness ever since!!!
I just turned 50 this year…you are my #1 role model….I wish I could be at your b-day celebration!
I would give you a big hug and thank you for everything you have done for me!!!
I am not as good as you about sugar though…but I am getting better at it…as I can see what it has done for you lol!
God Bless and Keep You…I will celebrate your 125th with you one day!!!
Here’s To Your Beauty, Health and Fitness!
Paula
Mr. LaLanne, you are a true American treasure. I just watched your lecture on “Sugaraholics,” and you were about 30 years ahead of your time when you gave it. Even today, I still have trouble with my medical associates (much less patients) trying to make them understand something that is so obvious.
Hi Claire, A woman named Mary asked the same question I have yet I see no response. Can you please help……..I am a 41 year old woman, in good shape but have gained appx. 15 pounds this past 24 months that I cannot lose – I have switched to organic whole foods, I write down what I eat daily 1200-1800 calories, I walk 4 times a week and frequently lift light weights, Yet no matter what i do the scale doesn’t move and I am concerned that I will continue to gain if I don’t continue to keep this pace consistently. What could be the reason? Should I see a doctor?
Thank you!
Lisa
PS – My Boyfriend is named Patrick Poppleton, and Jack is his hero, he quotes him all the time and still does Jack’s routines. He wants to know how he could meet Jack. It would make his life!!!
My family and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the juicer you developed. Since I won’t buy items with high fructose corn syrups (or corn syrups), finding fruit juices without these manmade sweeteners is quite difficult. The kids are very excited to go to the farmers market and pick out juice ingredients (and I’ll freeze or can the freshest best quality items for winter months in Michigan). We’re happy to soon have a good quality juicer (that takes advantage of using the pulp afterwards). I’m particularly eager to make my own vegetable juices for everyone as well.
I clearly recall watching The Jack LaLanne show on television starting as a very small child (3 or 4 at the most) alongside my mother, she with her big chair and me with my tiny chair, smiling all the way. I was having a great time today re-watching (and doing the excercises again, along with my sons) the old shows. As I volunteer at the school to help my son with Asperger’s Syndrome and many other children at the school with challenges, these exercises are very readily applied to that program called “Sensory and Movement” or OT and trained parents at our school have developed to help them improve mental focus, emotional stability, and increased physical calm when they get back to their classroom. We’ll adopt a few more of these excercises that I recall loving so much (bicycle, among many).
Thanks for inspiring me since some of my earliest memories right through today. Learning from you has played a big role in my dedication to helping to inspire others of a young generation running far from fitness and healthful thinking.
Mr. Jack,
Please put some of your famous sayings on your Tshirts! Like the logo, but the sayings are so inspiring!
You’re the best – loved you in the 60′s when I was a kid….and I’m still a fan! (That organ music was always so catchy back in the day.)
Continued great health to you and your lovely wife.
Valerie
Taylors, South Carolina
Jack,
I wanted to share with you that when I knew I needed to excercise, my mind would show you doing jumping jacks. I just turned 50 this month and did 90 jumping jacks without stopping on my birthday. That number is only going to climb and maybe I will be able to do 200 next year.
Cheers to you,
Tom
I really want to see Jack LaLanne speak. I live in Georgia–the state, not country. Will he be anywhere close in 2009 or 2010?
HI Jack…95yrs strong in mind,body and soul…if you giving out tickets to your 95th birthday, I would love to attend.
In Light,
Kevin
I was a kid about five, when my grandmother exercised with you on TV…Thats a memory!
Hi, I do step aerobics and lift 10lb. hand weights about 3 times a week – I’m 35 this November – 5’7″ and 170lbs. I need to lose about 30lbs to feel good but am not losing it doing step… What does Jack think of step aerobics-is it helpful in losing weight?
I do have trouble staying off of junk food because of cravings but have cut down a great deal. I take vitamin mineral supplements and put effort into eating low fat foods most of the time. I also have low thyroid I manage with a natural supplement.
Thank you!
Ruth