Monday, February 23, 2015

5 Healthy Habits I Learned Watching Jack LaLanne

I grew up watching Public Broadcasting out of New Orleans (WYES).   Along with Sesame Street and The Big Blue Marble, I would watch Jack LaLanne!  It was my first fitness "video" and would not be my last!  Such great memories!

As I reflect on where I am today in my fitness journey and where I need to be,  I decided that sometimes getting back to basics is the best reboot for anyone, and I'm reminded of 5 Healthy Habits that I learned from watching his show.

1.  Exercise Every Day:  Jack LaLanne exercised every day.  He started with stretching, then weights, and then cardio.  He mixed up his routine every 30 days to avoid muscle memory, and he enjoyed jumping rope, swimming and running.



2.  Eat Heathy:  One of his most famous quotes is "If Man made it; don't eat it!"  Such good advice for all the high fructose corn syrup, processed bread we eat!  Jack preferred egg whites, fish, fruits and vegetables every day.

3.  Get your Zzzzs:  Jack believed in 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.  He knew that sleep helps heal our bodies especially when we train.

4.  Take Exercise With You:  Even while traveling, Jack kept up exercising.  When you are home it is so easy to stay in a rhythm.  It's when you are outside our normal routine, vacation or business travel, that we seem to fall of the wagon.  When on the road, Jack used what he had at hand:  a towel or chair to assist in exercises.  He also did the simple things that didn't require a gym:  sit ups and push ups!  This is good advice if gym membership isn't for you: there are things you can do at home that are free!

5.  Use the Buddy System:  Jack and his wife of 31 years exercised together:  she was his partner in fitness.  Having friends to exercise with, joining fitness challenges, or even being a member of a Facebook group, keeps us in touch with others who are concerned about our health and understand our struggles. 

Jack LaLanne made a definite impact on me as a kid; and his lessons I hope to always remember!

Did you ever watch Jack LaLanne?  Do you have an old favorite fitness show?
let me know at kesselrunner77@gmail.com

No comments:

Post a Comment