Decades before celebrities and athletes promoted health and fitness, Jack LaLanne, The Godfather of Fitness, was already recognized for publicly preaching the health benefits of regular exercise, proper nutrition and a positive attitude. Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne reintroduces Jack’s message to a new generation. This book is written in Jack’s own words, along with the words of those he inspired. It is co-authored by Elaine (Lala) LaLanne, The First Lady of Physical Fitness and Greg Justice, National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee (2017).
Elaine saved Jack’s writings, some he had scribbled down in the middle of the night and others were interviews and magazine articles; would you believe, dating back to 1934.
Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne is packed with his beliefs in mind power, overcoming obstacles, visualization, motivation, humor, and of course, exercise and nutrition.
Jack often said, I can’t die because it would be bad for my image. But, as Lou Ferrigno says in the book’s foreword, The truth is, his legacy will live on forever because of his vitality, positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor.
Jack opened the first modern health club in 1936. He was the first to have a nationally syndicated television show on exercise and nutrition. He invented the Leg Extension Machine, Weight Selector Machine, Cable/pully Machines, and more. He was the first to train athletes, women and the elderly with weights. He was also the first to encourage the physically challenged to exercise and work around their disabilities.
Jack LaLanne summed up his philosophy about good nutrition and exercise by saying:
Dying is easy. Living is a pain in the butt. It’s like an athletic event. You’ve got to train for it. You’ve got to eat right. You’ve got to exercise. Your health account, your bank account, they’re the same thing. The more you put in, the more you can take out.
In addition there’s a family scrapbook, along with stories from people in the fitness industry, as well as folks from all walks of life who either knew him, or were inspired by him.
