Tribute to Robert Kennedy

Rest in peace, Bob. You will be missed...

I never got to meet the man in person, but I LOVED his work. In fact, it was his work that got me to loving the industry more and more. I've mentioned how the Fitness America Pageant made me a fan in the first place. HOWEVER, it was because of his work with Musclemag and Oxygen that I noticed on the newsstands before everyone else. While my family would be shopping for groceries, I would be looking at his magazines. Still do to this day. :)

As a WWE fan, I credit him for discovering quite possibly the most influential WWE Diva of this generation (and possibly of all time when it's all said and done), Trish Stratus. All fans of Trish should thank him for discovering the seven-time Divas Champion. I think without his insight to see something special in her, I honestly think the world would have never had the Golden Era of the WWE Divas Division. I really believe that.

But Trish isn't the only one that benefitted from Bob's visionary outlook. Countless others such as Cory Everson, Torrie Wilson, Victoria Pratt, and his wife Tosca Reno (among others) have seen their careers take to new heights thanks to Mr. Kennedy.

There's too much to name and mention right now, but I can tell you that a huge void has been made by his passing and it will be one that can never be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Robert Kennedy, as well as everyone who has been impacted by him. If you want to share your favorite memories of Robert, please leave them at http://www.rkpubs.com/bob/.

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