Jack LaLanne Told Me “Superman Is A Mirage”

Throughout my career I’ve had the incredibly good fortune of spending time with the late Jack LaLanne: the very man who at 41 proved it was possible to escape from Alcatraz Island by swimming to Fisherman’s Wharf while wearing handcuffs, at 45 completed 1000 push-ups and 1000 chin-ups in one hour 22 minutes and at 60 swam again from Alcatraz to the wharf while handcuffed. This time he was also shackled and towing a 1000-pound boat and at 70 battled the currents of Long Beach Harbor while handcuffed, shackled and towing 70 boats holding 70 people for one and a half miles.

Though all of our encounters have been unique and educational in their own special way, the most vivid recollection I have of him is the very first time we met. It was during this life-changing meeting that Jack LaLanne told me that “Superman is a mirage.”

A Fortuitous Bus Ride
During a fortuitous bus ride to the home of Sargent and Eunice Shriver, I found myself sitting beside him on our 45-minute commute. This luxury cruiser was filled with celebrities, professional athletes, and an open bar. Aware of what a strict diet he followed, I was surprised to see Jack indulging in some fine red wine. With a penchant for the grape myself, I quickly joined him and as our conversation began he sensed my surprise at his choice of beverage. After the initial ice-breaking chitchat, Jack LaLanne, “The Godfather of Fitness ” proceeded to impart a tremendous amount of wisdom which I have never forgottenand always cherished.

“The media creates very powerful illusions of who we should be,” Jack opined, “and these false impressions of reality do more harm than good.” He continued to explain that most people fail to understand that these unrealistic images can never be attained. Even the very people who portray them are more often than not far from the embodiment of perfection they claim to be. Whether they’re the famous people sitting on this bus or nondescript actors and models used to entertain and market products, this disconnect can cause the everyday person to travel down the road of envy to a life drowning in avarice.

Relationships Are the Most Important Aspect of Your LifeSomehow during this sage discourse he began calling me “Jimmy” while emphasizinghis points with a backhanded fist to my chest—and believe me, every single one of his points were as strong as they were poignant. Then Jack’s words started to take on a more impassioned tone. He began speaking about how the expectations we set for ourselves and those we care about are really all that truly matter. Relationships are the most important aspect of our lives and they must be treated as such, respected and nurtured at every crucial step of the way. No matter what you may achieve in life, there is no amount of success that can fill your heart like the love, companionship, and admiration of those who are most dear to you.

The famous faces that surrounded us started fading further and further into my periphery as I listened to this wonderful man. We could have just as easily been talking in my living room as that exciting bus. Jack was teaching me, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. Effortlessly he segued to children and how the examples we set for them must be as intentional as possible. They take in so much of the world in such a short amount of time, but ultimately it’s their parents who must provide the strongest of role models, showing them the most steadfast and dependable
Jack LaLanne Told Me “Superman is a Mirage”
Throughout my career I’ve had the incredibly good fortune of spending time with the late Jack LaLanne: the very man who at 41 proved it was possible to escape from Alcatraz Island by swimming to Fisherman’s Wharf while wearing handcuffs, at 45 completed 1000 push-ups and 1000 chin-ups in one hour 22 minutes and at 60 swam again from Alcatraz to the wharf while handcuffed. This time he was also shackled and towing a 1000-pound boat and at 70 battled the currents of Long Beach Harbor while handcuffed, shackled and towing 70 boats holding 70 people for one and a half miles.

Though all of our encounters have been unique and educational in their own special way, the most vivid recollection I have of him is the very first time we met. It was during this life-changing meeting that Jack LaLanne told me that “Superman is a mirage.”

A Fortuitous Bus Ride
During a fortuitous bus ride to the home of Sargent and Eunice Shriver, I found myself sitting beside him on our 45-minute commute. This luxury cruiser was filled with celebrities, professional athletes, and an open bar. Aware of what a strict diet he followed, I was surprised to see Jack indulging in some fine red wine. With a penchant for the grape myself, I quickly joined him and as our conversation began he sensed my surprise at his choice of beverage. After the initial ice-breaking chitchat, Jack LaLanne, “The Godfather of Fitness ” proceeded to impart a tremendous amount of wisdom which I have never forgottenand always cherished.

“The media creates very powerful illusions of who we should be,” Jack opined, “and these false impressions of reality do more harm than good.” He continued to explain that most people fail to understand that these unrealistic images can never be attained. Even the very people who portray them are more often than not far from the embodiment of perfection they claim to be. Whether they’re the famous people sitting on this bus or nondescript actors and models used to entertain and market products, this disconnect can cause the everyday person to travel down the road of envy to a life drowning in avarice.

Relationships Are the Most Important Aspect of Your LifeSomehow during this sage discourse he began calling me “Jimmy” while emphasizinghis points with a backhanded fist to my chest—and believe me, every single one of his points were as strong as they were poignant. Then Jack’s words started to take on a more impassioned tone. He began speaking about how the expectations we set for ourselves and those we care about are really all that truly matter. Relationships are the most important aspect of our lives and they must be treated as such, respected and nurtured at every crucial step of the way. No matter what you may achieve in life, there is no amount of success that can fill your heart like the love, companionship, and admiration of those who are most dear to you.

The famous faces that surrounded us started fading further and further into my periphery as I listened to this wonderful man. We could have just as easily been talking in my living room as that exciting bus. Jack was teaching me, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. Effortlessly he segued to children and how the examples we set for them must be as intentional as possible. They take in so much of the world in such a short amount of time, but ultimately it’s their parents who must provide the strongest of role models, showing them the most steadfast and dependable

To Future GenerationsThe lesson that I must try to be my Super-Self has stayed with me throughout the years. Though at times I can lose sight of this, my two sons always have a way of reminding me. From being their role model and instilling self-confidence to surrounding them with people that bring out their best and helping them to see that no matter what challenges life may bring, positivity always gives you the strength to overcome anything. The words of Jack LaLanne are a constant in my life and in theirs.

So who are you when you’re at your absolute best? When are you your Super-Self? How strong are your beliefs about yourself and your purpose in life? Take a minute and think about those that you’ve surrounded yourself with… Birds of a feather do indeed flock together, don’t they…Does your current attitude let you laugh at yourself, at your circumstances, and can you see the array of opportunities that the detour signs on the road of life might lead you to?

Think of all the twists and turbulent turns that have unfolded in the lives of those famous folks on the walls of the Shriver home. There is no situation that you cannot turn to your advantage; the ability to believe that you can is what you must pass on to future generations.

http://www.jamesmcpartland.com/pdf/February2011.pdf