The king of fitness on what to eat, how to live, and keeping your woman happy — even in your 90s
Interviewed by Dacus Thompson
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Pay your bills. You know, when I was a young kid growing up, we were very, very poor, and my dad said, “Kid, if you’re gonna get something, make sure you pay cash for it.” That runs through my brain in everything I do — my automobiles, my home, everything is paid for in cash. Of course, I’m in a position where I can do that.
What should every man know about women?
I’ve been married 50 years. You know the secret? She’s always right.
How do you make your favorite drink?
I use a Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. You ever seen my commercial? The most successful thing there’s ever been in the history of television. Carrots and celery are my favorite, but I mix celery, cucumbers, onion, beets — everything raw. You want it sweeter, you add fruit to it. Okay, shut up, Jack.
When is it okay to lie?
One thing I’ve applied to myself my whole life is that I never tell a lie. I have a conscience you can’t believe. Plus, I have a bad memory, so it’s hard to lie.
What one piece of clothing should every man have?
A piece you’re proud of. When I was growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, you couldn’t go into a restaurant without a coat and a tie. Now people dress like bums — sweat suits, all these ripped-up clothes. It’s awful. People have lost their discipline.
What’s the key to staying young?
Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen. Put them together, and you’ve got a kingdom.
What one skill should every man have?
To know how to defend himself. I learned wrestling and boxing and all that when I was young. I’ve never lost a fight yet. One of the first ones I had I was in this restaurant in San Francisco. These college kids came in. They were athletes. They started saying, “Hey, muscles,” and making fun of me. Finally one guy says, “You know, I would like to beat the hell out of you.” And I said, “Okay, come on. Let’s go outside.” He followed me out with his friends, and I took this guy, I whacked him, knocked him out, threw him over the hood of my automobile. Then four or five other guys came at me, and I knocked them all on their asses. I went back in that restaurant, and I tell you, people treated me like I was king.
What one thing should a man do every day?
I work out every day. Now this is an evil thing with me. I don’t expect the average person to do this. I just want to see how long I can keep it up. If you work out three or four times a week, 25 to 35 minutes, if it’s vigorous, that’s plenty.
How should a man best face his fears?
I’m not afraid of anything. When you’re in good shape, mentally and physically, you know you can cope with life’s problems. You do your best with the equipment you have.
What book should every man read?
I’m not a freak, I’m not a nut, but the Bible really gives you a lot of wonderful things in life. Everything’s in that book.
What’s the secret to being good in bed?
When I make love I got one thing on my mind: to satisfy that woman. And to do that you’ve got to learn what a woman wants. We’re all different, you know? So I find out what all her secrets are. I still take care of my wife, but it’s not like when I was 21.
What should every man do before he dies?
I have one thing on my mind. I want to swim from Catalina Island to Los Angeles underwater — 22 miles. I’d be underwater 26 hours and have to change tanks every hour and a half. Nobody could assist me. I don’t know if that’ll ever come around, but that’s what’s in the back of my little brain.
What’s the best meal you know how to make?
I eat only two meals a day — at 11 o’clock and at 7 o’clock. For lunch I have at least six raw fruits, and I always have four egg whites. Just the whites — the best protein known to man. I throw the rest away. That’s all the fat. Give that to the dog. My motto: If man makes it, don’t eat it; if it tastes good, spit it out.
What’s the secret to life?
Believing in something — that’s the key. Most people go through life, they don’t believe in anything, really. I believe in what I do. I can save people’s lives.
The fitness guru, 94, continues to lecture around the country — and could still kick your ass.
This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Men’s Journal.
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April 20th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
The Queen of Crystal Lake on how to live and be happy — even in your 90s
Interviewed by ma
What’s the best advice you ever received?
My mother always said, be happy, it’s the most important thing. And for a long time I thought it was a cop-out to try to be happy, that life was full of too much sadness and that we were all too busy avoiding the sadness. But lately, with age, I’ve seen the wisdom in going for happiness, for joy, for having what you love guide your life. There’s plenty of sadness in the world and of course it’s unavoidable, but happiness is a wonderful thing. Even the Dalai Lama agrees.
What should every man know about women?
My man’s job in life is to make me happy. When I’m happy, everything works. (a corollary to “she’s always right.” )
How do you make your favorite drink?
.Gin and tonic on ice in the summertime. Not healthy, but sometimes it’s O.K. to unwind.
When is it okay to lie?
When your kids need help handling something in life, like dealing with unreasonable teachers.
What one piece of clothing should every (wo)man have?
Pajamas that are cozy and comfy to wear around the house on Pajama day.
What’s the key to staying young?
Joy. Love. Someone and something to live for.
What one skill should every (wo)man have?
The ability to make people laugh.
What one thing should a (wo)man do every day?
Tell the people in your life how much you love them and what a difference they make in your world.
How should a (wo)man best face his fears?
Acknowledge the fear and do it anyway, if it’s something you really care about. Otherwise, what the hell are you doing there?
What book should every (wo)man read?
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, simply because she’s such a great writer.
What’s the secret to being good in bed?
Don’t know. I’m not especially good in bed. For me, what’s even more important than being good in bed, is being open and in communication with your significant other. Without that, sex is nothing.
What should every (wo)man do before she dies?
Travel to Italy during your mid-life crisis (or after), flirt with a young and handsome Italian, then dine that evening at some fabulous restaurant, eating a five course meal and drinking a bottle of wine with your best friend or your sister over hours and hours of conversation. Or, if not in Italy, do this at least once a month regardless of where you are. Women need women.
What’s the best meal you know how to make?
I make great oatmeal for breakfast. And then have a fabulous morning with myself, my oatmeal, and my cup of coffee (and if it tastes good, eat more).
What’s the secret to life?
Believe in people. Most people go through life living and loving with all the heart and soul they can muster. Know that. Believe that. To think that you have something over everyone else is a big mistake. (I don’t need you, Jack L. to save my life. I AM the hero of my life)
I don’t need my ass kicked, thank you very much.
This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Mary’s Private Journal, published in Momsreadandtalk.
[Reply]
Jo Cravens Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
What’s the best advice you ever received?
When I’m being “significant: - To give it up. Laugh. Tread lightly through life. (Not that I’ve done well following it!)
What should every man know about women?
I want any man in my life - father, son, brother, grandsons, friends - to know I am intelligent, capable, happy to share with them, and enjoy having them share with me.
How do you make your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is a Cosmo. I don’t know how to make it, I go to my son’s house when I want one - my daughter-in-law makes the best Cosmo on the planet!
When is it okay to lie?
Probably never, I don’t know. But certainly NEVER to myself.
What one piece of clothing should every woman have?
Birkenstock sandals. They can be worn anywhere and, I say, with everything. Comfort is king (pardon, I mean Queen).
What’s the key to staying young?
Never stop dreaming, expect joy.
What one skill should every woman have?
Know when to talk and when to listen…..and be able to do both.
What one thing should a woman do every day?
Comb her hair.
How should a woman best face her fears?
I acknowledge I have them. Sometimes I say “OK, I won’t do that then” and sometimes I do it anyway. I seldom do something that seems dangerous just to prove I can.
What book should every woman read?
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. It has pathos, humor, magic, a walk through one summer in the life of a twelve-year-old boy. A gentle nostalgic reminder of my own “young summers.” No instructions, no rules, just experiencing.
What’s the secret to being good in bed?
Couldn’t say. Maybe like so much else in life, be available, be in touch with your feelings, be willing to share and experience.
What should every man do before he dies?
Walk along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco.
What’s the best meal you know how to make?
Grilled wild salmon, big green salad, baked potato, apple crisp.
What’s the secret to life?
Trust yourself.
[Reply]
May 5th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Hello,
I was misdiagnosed with cancer 16 times. I lived near Baird Mcguire in holbrook , Ma. One of the worst dumping sites. They were dumping pesticides.
However, I dont know if that is what caused the cancer or the welbutrin and stratera the doctors put me on. I stopped all those drugs. I started doing what Jack Lalane said about diet , and if you cant understand the lable dont eat it. Just looking up things once I found carcinogens in the food I previously been eating. Now I heard there putting sugar in the water. Is spring water safe to drink.
I had lymph nodes swell and go down and some only a little Doc still insist no cancer. I think they dont know and dont want to admit stage 3 went to 4. What I’m trying to do is heal it through diet if they are lying to me and keep get tested.
I found the doctors are minipulitive and money oriented. I need to follow Jack Lalane he has it figured out. He is honest. I will win this for sure. Jack is smart he knows what is going on in the medical field. It is sickening. Plus I look at some of the doctors and their so brain washed by money and the drug industries they look like they won’t live long either.
God bless Jack and his darling Wife,
Linda M. White
[Reply]