Jack and Elaine LaLanne, a dynamic duo who revolutionized the way America perceived fitness, are set to be inducted into the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame in San Diego, preceding The HFA Show 2026. This recognition celebrates their remarkable 60-year commitment to promoting exercise and nutrition. They will be joining Phillip Mills, the founder of Les Mills International, as part of the HFA Hall of Fame's second class.
Liz Clark, the HFA President and CEO, aptly describes the LaLannes as legends, highlighting their profound influence in inspiring generations to embrace a life filled with energy, purpose, and joy. Their induction into the HFA Hall of Fame serves as a testament to the movement they initiated and the countless lives they touched.
Jack LaLanne: A Pioneer of Health and Fitness
Jack LaLanne's dedication to fitness was ignited at the age of 15 after attending a lecture by nutritionist Paul Bragg. This pivotal moment led him to eliminate sugar and meat from his diet, opting instead for raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fruits. He passionately advocated for the fusion of exercise and nutrition, a principle that would define his career. In 1936, at the young age of 21, Jack established what is widely regarded as the first health club, known as Jack LaLanne's Physical Culture Studio.
Elaine LaLanne: A Force in Her Own Right
Elaine's journey into the world of fitness began when she crossed paths with Jack in 1951 while producing and co-hosting the "Les Malloy Show." During the show, she booked Jack to perform push-ups for the entire 90-minute broadcast. This appearance paved the way for Jack's own exercise show, "The Jack LaLanne Show," which premiered in San Francisco in 1951 and later went national in 1958.
The encounter also led to Jack convincing Elaine to quit smoking, abandon her daily donut, and embrace exercise. Their relationship blossomed, and the two married in 1959.
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Elaine emerged as a driving force behind Jack's business endeavors, co-hosting his shows and infomercials, and authoring books such as "Fitness After 50" and "Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne." She has graced numerous TV shows, including The Today Show, The Early Show, and Fox and Friends, sharing her message of exercise and nutrition.
Jack LaLanne passed away in January 2011 at the age of 96. Elaine continues to champion their shared vision.
Elaine expressed her humility and honor in being inducted into the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame alongside her late husband, Jack LaLanne. She acknowledged the impact of his TV show in motivating people to embrace an active lifestyle and emphasized their lifelong commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. She noted that Jack's principles from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s have become standard practice today, and she is delighted to see his legacy continue to inspire others. Jack LaLanne received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 26, 2002, in recognition of his career as a fitness expert and television host.
The HFA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have elevated the health and fitness industry, established new standards of excellence, and championed physical and mental well-being. The inaugural class was inducted in 2025, comprising Dr. Kenneth Cooper, Rick Caro, Red Lerille, Julie Main, John McCarthy, and Augie Nieto.
Elaine LaLanne's Secrets to a Long and Healthy Life
At 97 years old, Elaine LaLanne, the "first lady of fitness," remains a beacon of health and vitality. She has no intention of slowing down, continuing to write books, exercise daily, and maintain a busy schedule.
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The LaLannes were pioneers in shaping fitness culture and healthy living in the US, starting with "The Jack LaLanne Show," which aired for 34 years from 1951. They later expanded their reach into equipment, supplements, and a gym chain with over 100 locations.
Elaine emphasizes the importance of movement for both physical and mental well-being. She shared four key principles that have contributed to her longevity:
Move Regularly
Elaine believes that consistent movement is essential. She starts her day with jackknives and performs push-ups against various surfaces. She also emphasizes the importance of smooth, controlled movements.
Eat Fresh Vegetables
Elaine's diet is rich in fresh vegetables and whole foods. She typically starts her day with yogurt and berries, along with a protein smoothie. She also incorporates chicken and fish into her diet. Her emphasis on plant-based foods aligns with dietary patterns observed in Blue Zones, regions known for their high concentrations of centenarians.
Always Have a Project
Elaine describes herself as a workaholic and believes that having a project to focus on has been instrumental in her longevity. She recently released a book titled "Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne" and is currently working on a documentary and narrative film about her husband.
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Think Positively
Elaine stresses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. She actively seeks out positivity and encourages others to do the same. She believes that shifting to positive thoughts can improve overall well-being.
Elaine LaLanne's Daily 20-Minute Routine
Elaine starts each day with 20 minutes of movement. She begins with jackknife sit-ups in bed, followed by incline push-ups at the bathroom sink. She then heads to her home gym, where she walks uphill on a treadmill for a few minutes. She also incorporates lat pull-downs and stretches into her routine.
Jack LaLanne's Dietary Philosophy
Jack LaLanne primarily advocated for a diet rich in meat and vegetables, consuming meat three times a day, along with eggs and fruit in the morning and plenty of vegetables in the afternoon and evening. He ate two meals a day and avoided snacks. His breakfast, after working out for two hours, consisted of hard-boiled egg whites, a cup of broth, oatmeal with soy milk and seasonal fruit. For dinner, he and his wife typically ate raw vegetables and egg whites along with fish.
He cautioned against the excessive consumption of processed foods, highlighting the high fat content in items like ice cream, butter, and cheese.
14 Ways to Stay Fit to 100, According to Elaine LaLanne
Elaine shared 14 tips for maintaining fitness and vitality well into old age:
- If you don’t move, you shrivel up: Emphasize the importance of resistance training, body-weight exercises, and sufficient protein intake.
- Mix up your exercise: Incorporate a variety of activities to target different muscles and maintain motivation.
- Keep your waist trim: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart.
- Don’t be bored. Or boring!: Always have something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to.
- Eat foods in their natural state: Prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables while minimizing processed foods.
- Don’t diet: Focus on consistent healthy habits rather than fad diets.
- Exercise is King. Nutrition is Queen: Combine regular exercise with a healthy diet for optimal well-being.
- Maintain an active lifestyle: Regular physical activity is key to a better quality of life.
- Get healthy amounts of sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
- Focus on what is best for your body: Tailor your fitness routine to your individual needs and abilities.
- You are never too old for anything: Embrace new challenges and opportunities regardless of age.
- In order to keep your mind active, you have to be active: Physical activity stimulates brain function.
- People don’t die of old age, they die of neglect and inactivity: Stay engaged and active to maintain vitality.
- Scientists have found that brain neurones all increase after a few weeks of exercise: Exercise promotes brain health.