Health guru, Jack LaLanne, 90, reveals how to live long and well

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 05 Oct 2004 - 10:00 PDT

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According to Jack LaLanne, 90, you get old from inactivity, not from the passage of time. LaLanne works out for two hours each day - not bad for a man of ninety. His mind is as quick and clear as any twenty-five year old's.

Amazingly, LaLanne hates working out, he admits it. He gets up at five every morning and goes to the gym.

Why does he do it? He says he does it for the results. "Results, results, results…!!" he says.

LaLanne has become quite a celebrity. On turning ninety everyone wanted to interview him on TV - wanting to know his secret.

LaLanne has revealed what is, according to him, the secret(s) of a long life.

He says we should exercise vigorously. This should be done twice a week or more. You should use weights as well as carrying out water exercises. Our muscles should be used as much as possible so that they stay strong and young. If you do not use your muscles vigorously, age will catch up with you quickly and you will start having trouble getting up from a chair when you are old.

LaLanne says he exercises while TV ads (commercials) are on. We all watch TV and sit through commercials. According to him, we all have the time to exercise while the ads are on. 'You can exercise while sitting in your armchair, during the commercials while you're watching TV.'

It is vital to change your exercise routine each month to make sure all of your muscles are getting their fare share of activity.

Avoid bad foods, drinks and never smoke. Cut out all junk. LaLanne includes coffee as something we should avoid. His motto is 'If a man makes it, don't eat it.'

Make sure you're getting plenty of vegetables and fruits. This means at least five or six raw vegetables every day - never miss a day out. Eat your whole grains.

Set yourself targets all the time. When you have achieved one, set yourself another one.

Keep your mind active, exercise it.