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I like to think of myself as a student of Jack LaLanne’s teaching. Even though I’m not always a good student, I do try my best to follow what I’ve learned from the Godfather of Fitness.  I did a Q&A with Jack LaLanne that you can view by clicking here.

Jack just recently joined his Grand Nephew Chris Lalanne in celebrating the grand opening of LaLanne Fitness in San Francisco. I talked with Chris about his new gym and the training method called Crossfit. When I asked what Jack thought about this method he said, “Jack loves it!”

If it has Jack LaLanne’s approval I’m checking it out. You’ve got to listen to a man that exercises two hours a day at age 93, and can turn down a doughnut without thinking twice.

Here’s more from my conversation with Chris:

HIH:  When did you decide to be involved in the fitness industry like your famous Uncle?

Chris:  Jack has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember.  I have been blessed with a name that will allow me to continue the LaLanne Legacy of helping people, help themselves.

HIH:   Congratulations on the grand opening of your gym in San Francisco. Is this something that evolved over time or was it always a dream of yours to open your own fitness center?

Chris:  I have always wanted to reach more people. One on one personal training was limiting in terms of how many people I could help in one day.  Now, with CrossFit and what we do here at LaLanne Fitness, our small group training allows me to help 10 times as many people!  Uncle Jack was on the ultimate platform…TELEVISION!  Will I be on T.V. someday?  We are currently involved in a reality show.  What direction that goes in is anybody’s guess.

HIH:  Can you explain what sets your gym apart from others?

Chris:  Here at LaLanne Fitness the CrossFit method of training provides the solution our society needs and wants.  There are four reasons why; 1. Shorter more efficient workouts = more CONVENIENCE.  2. Small group training = more AFFORDABLE. 3. Effective exercises and functional movements = more RESULTS.  4.  Accountability and supportive community = long-term SUCCESS!

HIH:  I noticed on your website the use of a whiteboard during training. Jack LaLanne used a whiteboard and chalkboard to explain concepts to his students on his TV show.  How is the board used in your facility?

Chris:  The white board is where our “Work out of the Day” is posted.  Every workout is time and scored.  These times are posted on the board so that all of the students can see each other’s performances.  We also use them for lectures similar to how Uncle Jack would use the chalkboard.

HIH:  Jack LaLanne told me the only good part of a doughnut is the hole in the middle. Are you as extreme about what you eat or do you indulge once and awhile in foods and beverages that nature didn’t intend for us?

Chris:   I have always eaten according to the LaLanne philosophy. “If man made it, don’t eat it.”  While in college, I was a competitive bodybuilder, with very meticulous eating strategies.  Just like I tell my students, I consistently make healthy food choices.

HIH:    Will you be opening gyms in other cities?

Chris:   At this point, my goal is to help the people of San Francisco.  If we are successful, who knows where we’ll end up?  For now it’s one student and one day at a time!

HIH:   What about making fitness DVD’s or even another LaLanne style TV show?
 
Chris:   If that is the path that life takes me…Great!  I am interested in providing long-term solutions to help people make changes for life. I believe there is an opportunity to help people down all of those avenues including; books, DVD’s and television!

HIH:   With all the diets out there it’s difficult to know what theory to follow, low carb, low cal, food combining etc… Many health clubs offer supplements and nutrition programs loaded with processed ingredients and artificial sweeteners. Does your gym offer nutrition training?

Chris:  We require all of our students to keep a food journal.  It’s amazing what happens when you have to record what you are eating.  This builds self-discipline and accountability for decisions you make on a daily basis.  I recommend the Zone Diet.  It is scientifically the most well balanced approach to eating.  The Zone Diet is based on controlling hormones, which are responsible for storage of body fat and silent inflammation.  Read, “Enter the Zone”…it’s valuable information.

HIH:   Speaking of artificial sweeteners, I asked Jack what he thought about America’s obsession with them and his answer was, “No comment.” What do you think about using artificial sweeteners to replace sugar?
 
Chris:  Just like fake fat (margarine), fake sugar (aspartame) is not good for you.  However, there is one product that my wife Maribel like’s called  ‘stevia’.  It’s derived from an herb.  Otherwise, most processed food products can be harmful.

HIH:   Do you have any ambitions to do some of the super human feats Jack has done, like pulling boats while swimming handcuffed?

Chris:  Not sure.  What ever I do, is has to be original.  Actually, every Workout of the Day is like a competitive event with myself.  CrossFit is a method of training that has turned exercise into an athletic event…it is “The Sport of Fitness”.

HIH:    Are you still doing a radio show with Jack LaLanne?
 
Chris:  Yes we are currently on hiatus.  We will resume the recording of “Jack LaLanne Live” this summer with some new features.  I would like to add video to the show so that our audience can ‘see’ what we are talking about!  The Jack LaLanne Show, which ran for 35 years was all about participation, we can get these people away from their desk and get moving!

HIH:    I just have to ask if Jack ever comes in for a work out.
 
Chris:  Jack was just here for our Grand Opening Celebration.  He did a few lunges then jumped up onto the stage…that was impressive!  Jack is in amazing condition for a 93 year old.  He’s like the energizer bunny…keep’s going!  Jack is a man who made a difference in our world.  He is truly an American icon and I am fortunate to carry on the LaLanne Legacy of helping people, help themselves!