Although Jack Lalanne shaped his life trying to inspire Americans to exercise, I find myself thinking about some of the other lessons that can be learned upon the death of this great man. And not all of them have to do with fitness.
It is beyond dispute that Lalanne was a pioneer, who urged not only men, but also women, to leap off the coach and pick up some weights. This was in the days when, although it was acceptable for men to heft weights, it was thought that women were far too delicate for such pursuits.
In addition, I was stuck by the fact that, years ago, Jack Lalanne invented many of the machines used at today's gym. He lacked the foresight to patent his designs, though, and others reaped the profit. He was never bitter, though, he only urged his viewers to practice happiness. "People have everything, but they have lost the ability to smile," he lamented. "What's the good to wear fine clothes, and drive fancy cars if you're miserable all the time?"
Judging from accounts of his passing, he lived his message until he drew his last breath. We can only be inspired to do the same.
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