A Godfather Dies, A Nation Cries...
Jack LaLanne...
"I can't die, that would ruin my image".
Last weekend Jack LaLanne left his legacy, teachings and example behind. Last weekend we lost the Godfather of fitness. Last weekend a hero died, and this post is dedicated to him.
"The only way to hurt the body...don't use it". Phrases like this forty years ago were not only unheard of, but controversial. Jack brought weight training to women and athletes long before it was popular, or proven to be beneficial. Folks were, and in some cases still are, afraid weight training makes women big and athletes slow. Thankfully, due to Jack's amazing example, we have all but eradicated those theories simply because they don't hold water. Chicks don't get big unless they eat big, and athletes who train optimally usually weigh the best weight for their sport.
Jack paved the way for exercise facilities, infomercials, presidential fitness test, and any other number of actives spawned from his era. Jack's unending dedication showed as one of the rare breed of folks today to actually practice what they preach. You couldn't argue shit with Jack, because he did exactly what he was asking you to. So common is the fat ass football coach, the diabetic basketball instructor, the near flat-lined phys-ed teacher that its only common kids grow up morbidly obese. Hell, most of the folks telling them to be healthy, are exactly the opposite. The picture of hypocrisy surrounds us, and Jack spent his days trying to fix it....and we thank him for it.
In today's time Jacks behavior is admirable, but not particularly uncommon. In his day however he was really treading up-hill with his nutritional approach, and lifestyle of fitness, but the coolest thing is that he didn't end it there.
Jack launched a T.V program in San Francisco. Eventually it spread like a virus nationwide. Then when Jack had his audience, he used his publicity vaulted by fitness to stress the importance of every other avenue of life he felt passionate about. And how fitness could help it. And how America was becoming, even in his day, a weak meager spooled nation eager to sit for nothing as opposed to standing for something. Jack saw what was coming and spent everyday of his life trying to change it. Sure he took people through workouts, but he stresses that they make a difference in others lives as well. That we teach healthy living to everyone around us. That we be the example other countries should follow and emulate, not the laughable example of deranged health we are today. Jack saw it coming, and he did everything he could to prevent it.
Jack worked out hours a day, everyday. He made it damn near 100 years from start to finish, and the whole lot of it was active, enjoyable, and fancy. Not dumbstruck, diseased and finishing the last twenty in a wheelchair. Jack was said to have made everyone around him happy, and more energetic, always getting people to move their asses, not die on them.
I think Jack would have been proud to see what we are doing today on his way out. I think Jack would be proud to see what CrossFit will become 10-20 years from now. CrossFit's all over the world are continuing his example. In fact Chris LaLanne, Jack's Grand-nephew carries on his work at LaLanne Fitness, also a CrossFit affiliate. Pay your respect below to the folks closet to jack, his wife, two sons, and Chris.
We lost a role model in a world where there are not many. We lost the Godfather. We can make him proud by never sitting back on our heels, never giving in, and never taking the easy way out.
Strength:
Rest
For Time:
3-Floor To Overhead 135/185
5-Muscle-ups
10-Handstand Push-ups
3 Rounds
Post time to comments.
you cant think of fitness without the name Jack Lalanne. He is no an icon but the fitness Icon. Arnold got fat and out of shape because he worked out to look good for what he was doing, Jack Lalanne lived the fitness life for his entire life. He will be missed.
Posted by: Ry | January 25, 2011 at 06:16 AM
7:49m
Posted by: vicki | January 25, 2011 at 07:29 AM
14:20 m
Posted by: holly | January 25, 2011 at 08:05 AM
12:26(m)
*Mike Jones u were rocking the kaki pants and black grpa socks...i was digging it;)
Posted by: Angela | January 25, 2011 at 08:54 AM
11:something (m)
65# Floor to Overhead
Push ups, pull ups & dips
Posted by: heatherT | January 25, 2011 at 03:08 PM
10:00(m)
85# Floor to Overhead
Pull ups, Dips & Pushups
Posted by: Lori | January 25, 2011 at 06:59 PM
I can't remember my time for the life of me....I think 10:39??? (m)
65lb FTO
Pullups(some banded)/dip(banded)
Pushups
Thanks Kara!
Posted by: Mindy | January 25, 2011 at 07:27 PM
12:03 M @ 155lbs and 3MUps/ round
Posted by: NP | January 25, 2011 at 08:18 PM
5:30
Posted by: jb | January 25, 2011 at 08:32 PM
Mindy...your energy and positivity impresses the hell outta me. Nice work challenging yourself.
Melissa #1...so good to see you back in class. You havent forgotten anything, and it'll be good, hard work for your bod and your brain to recall it.
Kelly/Ann...great to work with both of you. Glad to see you stickin with it.
Sam...you were, actually, a pretty stellar pupil this eve. Dudnt matter how long i know ya...you're so damn tall, dude.
JenD...those arms and shoulders, beast girl...smokin hot.
Lori...did you really ask my permission to cheat yourself on the last friggin round of C&Js? Brazen.
Melissa #6...you're a fighter. Nuf said.
Nic...appreciated the challenge of wko w ya today.
Posted by: k | January 25, 2011 at 09:09 PM
9:46(m)
Posted by: JN | January 25, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Kara,
Just wanted to keep you fired up so you could get all of us thru the rest of the WOD!! ;) HA!! You're a great trainer--Thanks Lady!!!
Posted by: Lori | January 25, 2011 at 09:50 PM
12:48 (M) weight and muscle ups
Posted by: Chuck T | January 27, 2011 at 02:18 PM