Fitness Icon Jack Lalanne Died At 96

Fitness icon Jack Lalanne, a man who pushed the U.S. pump iron, eat better and lose weight for over 70 years, has died. He was 96.
The so-called "godfather of fitness", died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia in Morro Bay, California in the evening at home Sunday, his former agent Rick Hersh told The Associated Press.
LaLanne Fitness pioneered the opening of the first of many exercise studies in 1936. Focused on weight training at a time when the idea of weights was strictly taboo, especially for women.
"You have to understand that it was absolutely forbidden in those days for athletes to use weights. Just not done. We had athletes who used to sneak into the studio to work," he once said.
Athletic trainers believed bulk up athletes would slow down and the women had to do with curves and feminine, athletic and not tones.
"Back then, women should not use weights. I guess it was a pioneer," said LaLanne.
LaLanne became a household name after you have started an exercise program on television in the 1950's that was issued until 1970. He ever after being known for his dedication to a healthy life and his signature one-piece training suit with a belt.
"This is a nation of tired people," he said, in an effort to encourage people to exercise. "Everyone is suffering from this disease chroinc shit I like to call-to-itis."
"Inactivity is a murderer," he once said LaLanne. "The only way it can damage the body is not using it."
LaLanne is survived by his wife and training partner Elaine, their two sons Daniel and Jon, and daughter, Yvonne.
"Not only have I lost my husband and a great American icon, but the best friend and loving partner no one else could ever hope for," said Elaine LaLanne in a statement. The two had been married for 51 years.