Fitness expert Jack LaLanne, often called the "godfather of fitness," died Jan. 23, 2011. He was 96 years old. LaLanne, who had an exercise television show from 1951 to 1985, owned a national fitness center franchise and authored books on wellness and exercise. He invented a variety of workout machines and calisthenic exercises.
History
LaLanne was not always a fitness enthusiast. Like many American children, he spent his childhood addicted to junk foods. He saw the light at age 15, after listening to a lecture on health and nutrition. LaLanne read books such as Henry Gray's "Anatomy of the Human Body," and began a weightlifting program based on anatomical principles. When he opened his Oakland, California, health spa in 1936, he used these principles to create some of the machines.
Smith Machine Exercises
LaLanne invented what is now called the Smith machine. It features a barbell attached to an adjustable vertical carriage. While LaLanne did not invent the Smith machine exercises, he changed their performance method by eliminating the need for a spotter. When your muscles fatigue, simply rotate the barbell to secure it to a point on the carriage. The Smith machine facilitates a variety of exercises. Align the barbell with your shoulders to use it as a squat machine. Place a flat bench under the barbell to create a bench press machine for the chest. While LaLanne created the original concept, his friend, bodybuilder Rudy Smith, developed and improved the design.
Leg Extension
The leg-extension machine, another LaLanne invention, works the quadriceps, which are the muscles in the front of the thigh. The quadriceps straighten or extend the leg. Leg-extension machines have a seat and a weight stack. Adjust the weight according to your strength. Sit upright, and place your feet under the foot pads at the bottom of the machine. Slowly extend your legs to a 180-degree angle. Some personal trainers vary the exercise by bringing the legs to a partial range of motion.
Trimnastics
LaLanne featured his "trimnastic" program on his fitness television show. These exercises do not require any type of resistance training equipment. The "fanny firmer" is featured in his book, "Fiscal Fitness: 8 Steps to Wealth & Health From America's Leaders of Fitness." Lean forward and place your hands against the edge of a chair for balance. Contract your gluteal muscles and lift your leg as high as you can without straining your back muscles. Repeat with the other leg. LaLanne also used the chair for abdominal exercises. To perform the gut buster, sit with your legs extended, your hips at the edge of the chair and your head and upper back against the back of the chair. Draw your belly in, and slowly bring one knee toward your chest. Repeat on the other side.
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