Before there were "The Biggest Loser", it was fitness guru Jack LaLanne who motivated followers to get in shape. His active lifestyle allowed him to live to the age of 96.
His daughter, Yvonne LaLanne, spoke to Reuters after her father's passing on Sunday at his home in Morro Bay, CA. "He was surrounded by his family and passed very peacefully and in no distress…and with the football game on Sunday, so everything was normal," she said. LaLanne died from pneumonia.
Born September 26, 1914 in San Francisco, the one-time "sugar-holic" traded in his unhealthy eating habits for a lifelong commitment to nutrition and fitness. "The Jack LaLanne Show"'s 34-year stint on television paved the way for present-day workout and diet programs.
LaLanne proved age is only a number. Beyond age 90, he exercised two hours daily, consisting of 90 minutes of weightlifting and 30 minutes of swimming. According to Reuters, he changed his regime monthly.
In 1959 at age 45, LaLanne completed 1,000 push-ups and 1,000 chin-ups in only 86 minutes. Then at age 70 in 1984, he towed 70 boats 1.5 miles in Long Beach, CA, all while shackled and handcuffed.
His zest for life and fitness will live on in all those he inspired over the decades.