72 Year Old Bodybuilder And Vegetarian

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Jack Lalanne, perhaps the most prominent health and fitness pioneer of our time, died yesterday at the age of 96 from complications related to pneumonia. 

For the health-impaired, Jack Lalanne spent the last 50 plus years preaching the gospel on exercising and consuming healthy foods.  His numerous feats of seemingly superhuman strength and endurance have made him a legendary figure.  That, along with his numerous accolades and products that he brought to market, has earned him the nickname “godfather of fitness”.  He was a vegetarian, although he did admit to eating fish on occassion.  He was a proponent of resistance training for women, even when popular opinion suggested that it would result in large muscles (of course, we know that’s not the case these days).  All of this after the age of 40.  Lalanne was a firm believer that you’re never too old to get healthy.  He was truly ahead of his time.

Side note: Ironically, he thought that organic products are “a bunch of bull”.  I’m not sure I’d go that far, but I do agree with the philosophy that it’s counterproductive to stress over organic vs non-organic.  If given a choice, I’d definitely choose organic.  However, a non-organic head of broccoli is always healthier than a large order of fries.

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1. Centenarian Athlete: You’re Never Too Old To Exercise…Or Break A World Record!

Excuses for not exercising are like noses…everybody has one.  Well, not Ruth Frith.  This sprightly, great grandmother from Brisbane, Australia broke a shot put world record at the World Masters Games, which took place in Sydney, Australia recently.  According to the site, the primary difference between the World Masters Games and the Olympic Games is that World Masters are open to people of all abilities and ages rather than just elite athletes.  The emphasis on participation.  Did I mention that Ruth Frith is 100 years old?  That’s not a typo folks.  I almost hear the sighs of disbelief.  Google it and let it marinate.  She also participates in the hammer and javelin throw.  For those who aren’t familiar with Olympic events, the shot put, hammer, and javelin throws are high-intensity, explosive movements, which is even more impressive.  Apparently, she trains five time per week with 77-pound weights and doesn’t drink or smoke.  Do you notice a common thread?  This lady is officially my hero.  She admitted that she isn’t fond of vegetables, but that’s obviously fine given her her high activity level.  Jack LaLanne would be proud.

So, what’s your excuse?

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