Sunday, January 23, 2011

Jack LaLanne and the rigorous life

It is with some sorrow that I report that Jack LaLanne has died at 96. My back hurts a lot and I was getting ready for bed; but, I found a reason to post.

When I was a child Mr. LaLanne was on television. He was like the first fitness guru. He called out to women, women with children to exercise. It is hard to explain to anyone under 40 what he did. He made exercise fun.

I was a gymnast, I may be old now' but, I was in good shape. I am about ten in a world record. You would not know it by meeting me. Most people when they meet me think I am just a thinker and businessman, I was a kid too. I am very mechanical and was very physical. Oh, and I also wrote music, wrote stories and drew pictures. Jack LaLanne helped me to see that we could all be healthy, we could all exercise.

More than anything else, Mr. LaLanne showed me that if you put in the effort everyday, then someday you would excel at being the best you could be. I am not a big fitness person in the sense of visuals, I am very big on people who choose to be healthy within reason. My doctor told me I am not allowed to exercise because of my blood pressure. They also asked that I come in more often, they lost on both accounts. I will never be what I was physically; but, I was and kids need to know they can be.

For the gymnasts out there, there is nothing greater than doing your first floor kip, high bar kip and giant. For those who are not gymnasts, think of whatever sport you loved. In my gymnastics class I was the first to do the hard splits and to do a giant, it takes time to achieve both. Mr. LaLanne inspired me. I was not the greatest gymnast, I lack some balance; but, I did what I could do, that is what he taught me about the physical body. I always enjoyed watching him and hearing him be so inspirational. He will be missed; but, the son of a gun made a difference and how many can say that?

Packing Day

Packing up my stuff. Not moving today, just packing and that is enough to do. If I get a chance I will post something later. What do you think about the article on the two suns? Everything is normal, take a nap.