BLOG 15 FITNESS ICONS

BLOG 15 FITNESS ICONS

The world of fitness has seen its share of fads, get-fit-fast schemes, and various equipment types of all sorts. We have seen countless infomercials, magazines with models, and new types of gyms popping up all over. In my fitness world, the following three figures changed exercise forever, and left such a mark that I wanted to know more about them.

Let’s start with Jack LaLanne, known as the “Godfather of Fitness” and founder of the American Fitness Revolution. He is famous for his saying, “Exercise is King, Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you have a kingdom” (http://www.jacklalanne.com/index.php?select=Jack). In 1936 he opened the first health studio in Oakland, paying $45 in rent a month. At that time, doctors told their patients not to go there, as weight training was so foreign and unheard of. He designed the first leg extension machine. He later opened a chain of health clubs and then sold them to Ballys. During the 1950s he had a popular exercise show, and was famous for advice such as, “your waistline is your lifeline” and "ten seconds on the lips and a lifetime on the hips" and "people don't die of old age, they die of inactivity” (http://www.biography.com/people/jack-lalanne-273648#fitness-franchise). In 1955, he won the Mr. America competition. Other accomplishment include, “He swam the length of the Golden Gate Bridge underwater, carrying 140 pounds of equipment at the age of 40 in 1954. Making a world record, LaLanne did 1,033 pushups in 23 minutes in 1956” ((http://www.biography.com/people/jack-lalanne-273648#fitness-franchise). He was a true motivator and embodied every aspect of what he preached. He led by example, which I try to do myself.

Her videos might be over 30 years old, but Jane Fonda was and still is an incredibly fit woman. She is the aerobics queen for sure. I just watched her in the new Netlfix series, Franki and Grace, and my initial reaction was probably the same as my mother’s years ago “Wow, I want to look like her”. Her leg warmers were unforgettable. Fonda’s videos and books changed the fitness industry. No one had ever done anything like her. Her original video sold 17 million copies, at a time when VCR players were just becoming popular. I respect her fitness philosophy, and admired her statement from my research, “She suggested that as a result of being constantly photographed, stars feel the need to constantly look perfect, and young people are subsequently trying to emulate an unrealistic ideal, which she said is "destructive" (http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/jane-fonda.html).

Finally, who can forget Richard Simmons. He swept the 80s by storm and now over 30 years later, has declared a weight loss total of helping others at 3,000,000 pounds. His enthusiasm and energy are like no other. His own weight battles fueled his success to reach the masses. He is best known for his videos: “His 65 fitness videos, which have sold over 20 million copies, pair lively music, with rockin’ routines and Simmons’ humorous banter and encouragement. With titles that include “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”, “Dance Your Pants Off”, “Party Off the Pounds”, “Disco Sweat”, “Blast Off the Pounds”, “Platinum Sweat”, and “Sit Tight” (a workout designed for people who cannot stand), Richard offers a routine for everyone” (https://www.richardsimmons.com/site/richards-bio) . He also has cookbooks and weight loss help books. Today he is a motivational speaker and companies seek his help to teach employees the costs of obesity. He has also been an advocate for keeping physical education in schools as much as possible.

Someday, it my hope to become a fitness icon. I see the success of clients and it is an incredible feeling knowing the difference I can make in someone’s life. Each hour with each client means something to me. LaLanne, Fonda, and Simmons, are examples of greatness to me, and just like a kid who looks up to a pro football player, I say to myself, “Wow, I want to be the next Jane Fonda with the expertise of Jack LaLanne, and the energy of Richard Simmons”.