Elaine LaLanne, a vibrant 97-year-old, serves as an inspiring example of the power of belief, exercise, and maintaining a positive mindset. Her daily routine is a testament to her unwavering dedication to health and well-being. Each morning, even before leaving her bed, she engages in a series of exercises, including two-dozen jackknifes and incline push-ups at her bathroom sink. Her mantra is simple: “Twenty minutes a day gets me on my way.”
Yet, according to Elaine, the true wellspring of her strength resides not in her physical prowess but above her shoulders. Each morning, she emphasizes the importance of believing in one’s abilities. This mental fortitude has not only enabled her to remain physically active throughout injuries and emotional challenges but has also allowed her to lead a life that defies her age. As she puts it, “everything starts in the mind.”
Elaine LaLanne’s life has been intertwined with the fitness industry for nearly six decades, primarily due to her role as the wife and business partner of Jack LaLanne, widely recognized as the father of the modern fitness movement. While Jack was a charismatic showman, Elaine worked tirelessly behind the scenes, providing support and managing their expanding fitness empire. This empire encompassed a long-running TV show, fitness gadgets, food products, supplements, and a nationwide gym chain boasting over 100 locations.
Since Jack’s passing in 2011, Elaine has emerged as a fitness icon in her own right. She continues to oversee her family’s business, BeFit Enterprises, and has authored two books in recent years. Additionally, she is collaborating on a documentary and a feature film with Mark Wahlberg, who will portray Jack.
Elaine’s journey into the fitness world took an unexpected turn when she met Jack LaLanne. Initially pursuing a career in entertainment, her life changed when their paths crossed. Fitness historian Ben Pollack recounted an amusing anecdote from their first encounter in 2018. He wrote, “She blew him off, literally, taking a gratuitous bite of her doughnut and puffing cigarette smoke in his face,” illustrating the initial resistance she displayed when Jack criticized her doughnut consumption and smoking habit.
However, Jack’s unwavering commitment to a lifestyle centered on whole foods and exercise eventually transformed both their lives. His influence motivated Elaine to embrace a healthier way of living, driven by a desire to avoid premature aging. Together, with her television background and Jack’s charisma, they became iconic figures in the fitness world. Elaine’s on-screen appearances made building muscle an acceptable pursuit for women, and her cheerful demeanor served as a source of inspiration for many.
While it is acknowledged that the LaLannes’ early messages unintentionally contributed to the birth of contemporary diet culture by emphasizing thinness and framing fat as a problem to overcome, Elaine stands by these messages. She believes they provided viewers with valuable tools and confidence to achieve their fitness goals. However, she also recognizes the importance of today’s more inclusive representation of body sizes on television.