Fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne dies

Fitness pioneer and entrepreneur Jack LaLanne passed away on Sunday at the age of 96.

LaLanne's contributions to the fitness industry span more than 70 years, starting his career working in a gym in Oakland in 1936 and going on to host the longest-running fitness show on American television.

During his career, he owned and operated a number of health clubs under his name, wrote books, invented gym equipment and was widely recognised as the 'face of fitness' in the US for decades.

Lalanne, who had heart valve surgery two years ago, maintained a youthful physique and joked in 2006 that "I can't afford to die. It would wreck my image."

"He was amazing," said 87-year-old former 'Price is Right' host Bob Barker, who credited LaLanne's encouragement with helping him to start exercising.

Barker told The Associated Press "he never lost enthusiasm for life and physical fitness."

LaLanne credited an interest in fitness with transforming his life as a teen, and he worked tirelessly over the next eight decades to transform others' lives, too.

"The only way you can hurt the body is not use it," LaLanne said. "Inactivity is the killer and, remember, itâ's never too late."

LaLanne had a long time involvement with Life Fitness, whose President Chris Clawson issued the following statement regarding LaLanneâs passing: "Jack was an inspirational man and Life Fitness is deeply saddened by this loss of such a motivational soul.

"Having opened the first health club in 1936 and creating the fitness movement as we know it today, Jack LaLanne had a commitment to exercise that was ahead of his time. We will be forever grateful to Jack for what heâs done for fitness as an industry and for Life Fitness as a company."

For more information go to www.jacklalanne.com/blog