27 Jan The late Jack LaLanne’s top five fitness tips

The late Jack LaLanne

Earlier this week I paid tribute to fintess pioneer Jack LaLanne, who died at the age of 96 on Jan. 23, in a blog for At Home Fitness.
Today, I came across some great advice from LaLanne in the fitness magazine “Self” to share with my AHF blog readers.
Drawing on information contained in LaLanne’s book published just last year, “Live Young Forever,” here are his top five fitness tips.
1. Lift weights – When LaLanne came onto the scene, lifting weights was relegated to bodybuilders. “But through his fitness clubs and TV show, he helped Americans realize that strength training isn’t just about baby oil and bulging biceps,” writes Self. Rather, pumping iron stabilizes joints, boosts metabolism, burns more fat, and keeps you healthier, longer.
2. Eat lots of fiber – “What I do today, I am wearing tomorrow,” LaLanne once said, reported in the article. “If I put inferior foods in my body today, I’m going to be inferior tomorrow, it’s that simple.”
3. Women should exercise, too – Before Jane Fonda, LaLanne was encouraging women to the hit the gym, back when most health clubs catered only to men.
4. Set lofty goals – At age 42, LaLanne did a record 1,033 pushups in 23 minutes. That swim while reportedly towing 10 boats carrying 77 people? LaLanne was 66 years old.
5. Don’t put too much stock in the scale – The better gauge is how your clothes fit, how strong and fit you are, and how you feel, cites the magazine.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com