Whether it be by creating fitness equipment, making fitness accessible by bringing it to TV, or changing the way we look at exercise, Jack LaLanne, Richard Simmons, Jane Fonda and Joe Weider all made a significant contributions to the world of fitness, bodybuilding, nutrition and exercise.
Jack LaLanne: The Father of Fitness
Jack LaLanne opened his first health spa in California at the age of 21. He encouraged his clients to use weightlifting as a part of their fitness regimen, and he designed different types of weightlifting equipment that is now standard in the fitness industry. These include leg extension machines, pulley machines using cables and weight selectors. LaLanne also encouraged women to lift weights. He was able to demonstrate the benefits of weightlifting for women without the effects of a bulky muscle appearance that previously deterred women from lifting weights.
In 1951, LaLanne broke fitness barriers again by creating "The Jack LaLanne Show," where he provided exercise instruction on TV. This ground-breaking attempt to help people reach their fitness goals made LaLanne a household name. He continued the television exercise program for 33 years. LaLanne was an avid exerciser up until his death at age 96 in January 2011.
Richard Simmons
With his exercise videos such as "Sweatin' to the Oldies" and "Blast Off the Pounds," Richard Simmons made getting fit both fun and welcoming to millions of people. Simmons was an overweight child and battled obesity for several years. He tried unsuccessfully to lose the weight with diet pills and weight-loss programs, but it wasn't until he made lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise that he was able to lose the weight and keep it off.
Simmons set out to help others in the same condition, but realized that most gyms were for fit people. After consulting with doctors and nutritionists, Simmons put together a program and facility that was tailored to the needs of the overweight, obese, physically challenged and senior populations. Simmons also created the Deal-A-Meal diet plan and the Food Mover, which helps people monitor portion control.
Jane Fonda
Actress Jane Fonda became a fitness pioneer in the 1980s by releasing "The Jane Fonda Workout" video, which sold more than 17 million copies. Fonda made working out trendy and stylish, and she soon became recognized more for her workouts than her acting. Women across the country gathered in living rooms to do their Jane Fonda workouts, and so began a fitness trend, complete with legwarmers and a headband to match. She released several subsequent fitness videos ranging from aerobics, to body sculpting and yoga. In 2010, she released two new exercise videos targeting baby boomers, and continues to preach the importance of exercise.
Joe Weider
As both a bodybuilder and a fitness writer and editor, Joe Weider has made a tremendous contribution to the fitness world. In 1936, Weider began publishing "Your Physique," a magazine geared toward bodybuilders, weightlifters and fitness enthusiasts. The magazine was renamed "Muscle Builder" in 1966, and its name changed again in 1980 to "Muscle & Fitness" -- the same name it bears today.
Weider has published several other top fitness publications including "Shape," "Men's Fitness," "Fit Pregnancy" and "Mr. America." In 2003, he sold his publication company to American Media. Weider, along with his brother Ben, founded the Mr. Olympia contest in 1965, which helped push bodybuilding into popularity. He launched Weider Nutrition International in 1989. Weider is the co-founder of the International Federation of Bodybuilders and also founded the Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 1999.
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