Jack LaLanne quotes

Jack LaLanne was an American fitness and nutrition pioneer, revered as the "Godfather of Fitness." His numerous television shows and fitness innovations inspired millions to lead healthier lives. He became famous for his incredible strength feats and lifelong commitment to wellness. Here are 44 of his quotes:

When I first started out, I was considered a crackpot, [he said]. The doctors used to say, 'Don't go to that Jack LaLanne, you'll get hemorrhoids, you won't get an erection, you women will look like men, you athletes will get muscle-bound - this is what I had to go through.

Jack LaLanne

I was the worst, most sickly kid of all – 30 pounds underweight. The girls used to beat me up. Actually I was a mean kid, early on because I had no self-esteem.

Jack LaLanne

There is no fountain for youth. What you put in your body is what you get out of it. You would not feed your dog a coffee and doughnut for breakfast followed by a cigarette you will kill the damn dog.

Jack LaLanne

Jesus, when he was on Earth, he was out there helping people, right? Why did he perform those miracles? To call attention to his profession. Why do you think I do these incredible feats? To call attention to my profession!

Jack LaLanne

That's what I wanted! I wanted to be an athlete, I wanted the girls to like me, and I wanted to be able to get good grades in school, and this man said I could do all that.

Jack LaLanne

The crusade is never off my mind - the exercise I do, the food I eat, the thought I think - all this and how I can help make my profession better-respected. To me, this one thing - physical culture and nutrition - is the salvation of America.

Jack LaLanne

The only way you get that fat off is to eat less and exercise more.

Jack LaLanne

Remember this: your body is your slave; it works for you.

Jack LaLanne

Do you know how many calories are in butter and cheese and ice cream? Would you get your dog up in the morning for a cup of coffee and a donut?

Jack LaLanne

When he was 15, his distressed mother dragged him to a lecture on healthful living being given by nutritionist Paul Bragg.

Jack LaLanne

He also encouraged the disabled and elderly to exercise for health, a bizarre concept at the time.

Jack LaLanne

It tasted terrible, so I mixed it with prune juice and fruits. Nobody thought about it until then. We made the guy a millionaire.

Jack LaLanne

I can't die, [he most famously liked to say]. It would ruin my image.

Jack LaLanne

My show was so personal, I made it feel like you and I were the only ones there. And I'd say: Boys and girls, come here. Uncle Jack wants to tell you something. You go get Mother or Daddy, Grandmother, Grandfather, whoever is in the house. You go get them, and you make sure they exercise with me.

Jack LaLanne

God gives us the power to act for ourselves, but let me tell you something. At five in the morning I have never heard this [he says mimicking a knock on the door]. Hello Jack, this is Jesus. I will work out today.

Jack LaLanne

I was a whole new human being, he said of this transformation. I liked people, they liked me. It was like an exorcism, kicking the devil outta me!

Jack LaLanne

Aw:North America|Anything in life is possible and YOU make it happen"! - Jack LaLanne: Live young forever, Robert Kennedy Publishing, Mississauga 2009, P. 15.

Jack LaLanne

Well it is. It is a religion with me. It's a way of life. A religion is a way of life, isn't it?

Jack LaLanne

Mr. LaLanne said he performed his exercises until he experienced "muscle fatigue,” lifting weights until it was impossible for him to continue. It produced results and, as he put it, "the ego in me” made the effort worthwhile.

Jack LaLanne

It would wreck my image.

Jack LaLanne

If men are from Mars and women from Venus, what planet did Jack come from? Jack insists he is from planet earth.

Jack LaLanne

At age 70 the guy towed 70 boats carrying 70 people across the Long Beach harbor, with both arms and feet shackled.

Jack LaLanne