In my most recent post about Jack LaLanne, the truest fitness icon ever to hit fitness, I paid homage to what Jack accomplished over his 96 years as a fitness guru. His words, philosophies, and candor will forever be blended with modern day fitness.

There will never be another Jack. He truly is the guru who put health clubs on the map; made us all believe fitness could be fun... and necessary. In a day when doctors promoted cigarettes, Jack was telling people to get out there and exercise for good health. Today, the people called "fitness guru's" are nothing more than mediocre celebrities promising to get you fit in just a few weeks, even days. Forget the commitment of being active, healthy, and fit for life; just lose some weight and BANG. You are a guru.

Media over represents people as experts in anything and everything. My brother mentioned that some guy from the reality TV show who calls himself "The Situation" is coming out with a workout video. Whatever. Seems like models, actors, and anyone genetically gifted to have a lean body is a guru in fitness. Maybe it's time we redefined fitness? After being in the industry for 25 years I have to say, I've met very few true leaders and gurus of this field. But I've seen many who believe they are. All I can say is, beware.

Jack LaLanne was a guru. And I doubt he ever called himself one. But without his influence, the fitness industry wouldn't be what it is today. So when you see the infomercials, the commercials with the "new" guru's of fitness... consider that media may merely embellishing mediocrity because apparently good looks and $$$ is all it takes to sell the idea that being fit just takes 3 minutes of abdominal crunches 3x a week. And I hate to say it but America is buying it... even with the down economy

If anyone but me out there can agree, shout it out to me.

It's sad when someone, especially a visionary passes from this life into whatever that place beyond is. Jack LaLanne died this past Sunday at the sparking age of 96. He brought fitness to the masses and is someone I've always admired and listed as someone whom helped develop many of the philosophies of my own early workouts.

"I have not only lost my husband and a great American icon, but the best friend and most loving partner anyone could ever hope for," Elaine LaLanne, LaLanne's wife of 51 years and a frequent partner in his television appearances, said in a written statement.

I met him about 10 years ago in California during a convention and I asked him how he kept his body feeling young. His reply, "Don't think about your age. I never do. Who knows how old I am? I don't."

To some extent, that's sound advice yet I am still obsessed with the aging process and reducing the negative effects we associate with aging. If anyone defied the aging process it's Jack.

More than not thinking about aging, my two cents about how he stayed so young and active for so long - he juiced for years, he stayed active always, and he one thing all of us should consider... he ate less than what we assume we should.

Even for me, after doing a two week cleanse, no sugar, less of everything, and getting a full 8-hours of sleep every night, my body feels stronger, more alert, clear headed... it's a good thing to consider. I am not saying starve yourself and don't eat by the way! Eat! Eat good, healthful foods, just eat less. Consume less. The general population in the US consumes up near 2800-3400 calories everyday but only expend about 1500-2000. What you don't use... you store and that overworks everything from metabolic system to the nervous system.

In any event, Jack, where ever you are now, I for one will never forget your legacy.