Jack LaLanne

LaLanne was addicted to sugar as a child causing him to commit acts of violence including setting his parents house on fire and attacking his brother with an axe He was so weak his family physician recommended he be removed from school to rest and regain his strength Around this time he and his mother attended a lecture by Paul C Bragg a nutritionist who told LaLanne he was a human garbage can LaLanne turned his life around with a strict diet and exercise By the age of 18 he was running a home bakery selling healthy breads and a home gym where he trained policemen and firemen in exercise and weightlifting LaLannes reputation as a physical fitness guru eventually led to his 34year stint as the host of TVs The Jack LaLanne Show 1951 There he taught exercise aimed principally at homemakers using items found around the home Even as he exceeded 95 years of age LaLanne continued to boast a fine physique and encourage fans with health and fitness tips through videos and writing LaLanne died of pneumonia at his home in Morro Bay California in January 2011 with his wife Elaine family and friends surrounding him Mr LaLanne had been ill prior to his death