Tribute to Jack LaLanne, "The Godfather of Fitness"

As you all probably have heard by now, Jack LaLanne, considered by many to be the "Godfather of Fitness" passed away Sunday afternoon due to respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He inspired millions of people all over the world to get active before fitness became a well-known phenomenon. He helped make fitness a big part of many people's lives.

Photo credit: Tri Star Products

In my honest opinion, if it wasn't for Jack LaLanne, there would be no Kiana Tom, no Jillian Michaels, no Jennifer Nicole Lee, no Jamie Eason. Dare I say this...but fitness would probably be a mere afterthought right now if it wasn't for Jack. If there was anyone who defied "fitness icon", it was Jack. He lived, breathed, and slept fitness for what seemed to be his entire life.

I'm too young to remember his shows, but I do remember seeing his many infomercials about his juicer and wanting to own one (which I will buy soon). He seemed so vibrant and full of energy. I'm always like "Why can't more people live by his example?" Who knows? Maybe there's that someone out there who will be that next true fitness icon. Yes, there are those fitness experts that come and go, but very few have the longevity as Jack did and still does. Because of that, he will continue to motivate others to live healthier lives. Gone but truly not forgotten, and won't be for quite some time.

On behalf of FitGems Nation and the MILLIONS of people you have inspired over the years to live healthy lifestyles, thank you for giving people a reason to live. Thank you for being an inspiration.

"Love live living long, and loving every minute of it!"-Jack LaLanne

Fight for Leslie

For those that don't know, IFBB Pro Zoa Linsey's sister, Leslie, has recently been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She's a mother of 10 who also just recently got out of an abusive marriage. Tomorrow, she will be going though surgery to help eradicate this cancer.

A website and Facebook fan page has been created in her honor and to help Leslie fight arguably the biggest fight of her life. We at FitGems Nation are encouraging you to help out the family of Leslie and donate to help cover cost of surgery, and to make sure her family is taken care of. I personally will be donating my own money in the coming weeks ahead, and to show our support, for every sale that is made on the FitGems Online Store (http://www.cafepress.com/FitGemsNation) from now until the end of February, proceeds will go toward Fight for Leslie. It's our way of giving back to a family that needs all the help they can get right now.

For more information on Fight for Leslie, visit their website at http://www.fightforleslie.com and "like" their Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fight-for-Leslie/193032177380328.