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

These are the words that Jack Lalanne lived by.  He passed and went on to heaven at 96 yesterday and every day of his life he LIVED.

His agent said LaLanne ate healthy and exercised every day of his life up until the end.

I can remember watching him with pride for many years.  Especially when I was waiting for my lung transplant, “my turn” to live the life I so desperately yearned for.  As I fought for breath and clung on to every sign of inspiration and hope I could, he motivated me, he encouraged me, he showed me it could be done and I admired him so.

He was fearless in his beliefs and passion and never let anyone silent him on what a gift he believed exercise and good nutrition was.   I loved that.  He changed the world in his own way and taught many that anything was possible-if they took care of themselves and made the effort.

So, as I go train today and take deep breaths with lungs I would never have received if I did not “follow in his words and do something every day-sick or not-knowing it is never too late”, I will breathe extra deep for him and celebrate the GIFT of being able to breathe enough to move, being able to exercise and train.

THANK YOU Mr. Lalanne, you will forever live on in the legacy you have made and for me, in every accomplishment I make on the track, during the course, and atop every mountain I climb.

I ask you all to make sure you are living the life you want and deserve and if not, think of Jack today and start.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41225595/ns/us_news-life/?gt1=43001