Jack LaLanne was an idol of mine – he epitomised everything about the Fitness Industry. His values and beliefs were all synonymous with the American dream – a healthy mind in a healthy body and a business success.
Jack’s feats of strength and endurance were second to none. One time he pulled a tug from Alcatraz to the mainland with his hands and feet bound. On TV he demonstrated press up and pull ups by the thousand. He had a great physique and lived the dream. He championed the healthy life – fruit juice, vitamins and sensible eating – no meat, plenty of fruit and veg – the all American hero.
Bertha Berry, on the other hand was born into poverty. Early in her childhood she was diagnosed with scarlet fever which in those days was a killer disease. Unlike Jack, she ate what she could, survived two world wars, rationing and never exercised. A frugal eater she abhorred any form of pills, vitamins or drugs. Bertha and Jack were a million miles apart in lifestyle. They both died a couple of years apart – Jack was 95 and Bertha 98. Neither of them suffered from ill health in the latter years of their life, but Bertha was accident prone and had surgery 11 times for broken bones. Nothing but the mind separated these two remarkable people.