To Your Health
December, 2007 (Vol. 01, Issue 12) |
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Why did you choose to be a sponsor for Stay Fit Seniors?
When Drs. Russo and Lauro approached me, I liked the idea and knew it was something I could fully endorse. It's tremendous. Whether you're 60 or 90 years old, there's something for you. Seniors in the program report that their aches and pains are leaving, their sex life is better, their skin looks better. They're working at living!
So many people over 40-50 years old think they're over the hump. They say, "I can't do this" or "I'm too old for this." It's ridiculous. There are more older people getting in shape now than ever before. And this plan we have is really something. When you join Stay Fit Seniors, you get everything - a complete gym to work every part of your body, nutritional advice and exercise, plus chiropractic. This should've been done a long, long time ago.
You've received dozens of awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What has been the highlight of your success?
The highlight of my success is marrying my wife, Elaine, whom I call "LaLa."
Looking back at your life, is there anything you would change?
Nothing! The only thing is I would do it with more energy and more vigor, if that's even possible. Being a pioneer, you take a lot of ridicule and torture; but if you believe in something, you're going to succeed. Practice what you preach is my philosophy.
I was the first to have a health and fitness show on television, which ran for 34 years. The medical doctors claimed I was a crackpot for having women, elderly and athletes working out with weights, assuming women would look like men and elderly would die of heart attacks. These days, there's not one world-class athlete not working out with weights, and doctors emphasize working out with weights so the elderly can build muscle. You have to overcome resistance.
Without exception, doctors recommend 5-6 raw vegetables and 4-5 pieces of fresh fruit each day. When you have access to all these healthy foods, you just have to make the right choices.
Good health has to start in school. We have to teach kids pride and discipline in how they feel and what they do. Kids need compulsory physical education in school and we have to get the junk food out of school cafeterias. They learn bad habits when they're young, and by the time they reach 50, their bad habits have taken their toll. All of this can be remedied with exercise and good nutrition.
