Jack LaLanne was a man "ahead of his time" when it came to fitness.
It’s a sad week for those who mourn the death of Jack LaLanne. After all, he was an exercise enthusiast who knew the value of exercising long before the experts recognized its value. He was a “man before his time” and it so hard to let him go.
Hey, wait!
How can it be sad that a man dies at the age of 96!
That’s incredible and he has lived long past the life expectancy of males from his generation. So, it seems that exercise really does help people live longer — and we should be celebrating Jack’s life rather than mourning his death.
University of Pittsburgh proves it
If you don’t believe Jack, then maybe you’ll believe the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that concluded that people who walk at a steady, aggressive gait live longer. The study by the University of Pittsburgh evaluated walking speed in older people, and found that those who had a healthy movement in their step, lived longer.
The “to do” list
I woke up this morning with lots of things on my “to do” list. Many things had been neglected for the past two weeks for various reasons, and now the work was piling up. Even though it was approaching 50 degrees for the first time in weeks, and a beautiful day to get outside, my “to do” list was all about being inside.
As I glanced out of the window while preparing a cup of steaming java to get me going, it hit me. Jack LaLanne and Artie Levin (you may remember him from the days when YOUR MOTHER watched his fitness routine on black and white television!) were right. Exercise is good for your body and it helps you live longer and healthier. It’s one of the best ways to clear your mind while doing something good for your body.
So why was I allowing my list of “to do’s” to keep me from doing what I needed most — continuing my walking plan that had been outlined by Rachel Pustilnik! Taking 45 minutes out of my morning to do something to improve my health should be the first thing on my “to do” list today, and every day!
No better time
The weather is cooperating and there’s no better time than now to lace up the shoes, head out the door, and get in some fast walking – and maybe even a few short sprints.
So that’s exactly what I’m doing.
As grandparents, we have an obligation to keep ourselves as healthy and fit as possible. Kate Hall (CEO of Richmondmom.com) was my inspiration to get moving more and I can’t let her down!
But more importantly, I can’t let myself or my grandchildren down.
Here goes the first step……the rest are following!
Jack would be proud!
