How to live fit till age 100
Elaine LaLanne is a 97-year-old fitness personality and has revealed her secrets to a long, happy and healthy life. You too can follow these lifestyle tips and turn your life around – building a stronger and healthier version of yourself.
"Exercise is King. Nutrition is Queen. Put them together and you have a Kingdom."
Elaine has been in the public eye for promoting fitness for over 70 years. In a recent interview with Telegraph, she revealed, "People ask me the secret to living a healthy, youthful life in your 90s. My answer is simple: Exercise is King. Nutrition is Queen. Put them together and you have a Kingdom." Here are some of her simple yet highly effective tips for living a long and healthy life.
Exercise and keep moving
Elaine explained that you “speed up” the aging process when you stop moving. “In order to keep your mind active, you have to be active,” Elaine said. She advised to do a variety of workouts incorporating both muscle-strengthening exercise and aerobic activity “20 minutes each day.”
Elaine said: “Scientists have found that brain neurons – the special cells that perform all the necessary functions to keep you alive, as well as help you think and improve your memory – all increase after a few weeks of exercise.” Excess weight will weigh you down. “Every pound of excess weight puts a needless strain on the heart,” she added.
Keep yourselves busy and around young people
“People don’t die of old age, they die of neglect and inactivity,” Elaine said, explaining that it is in your hand to keep your life interesting and busy. Keep doing things you love so you have something to look forward to the next day.
Surrounding yourself with young people can also contribute to your own youthfulness. “I think young and I act young,” she added.
Eat right and enjoy food
Elaine emphasized on the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods “as much as possible”. That being said, she added a cool perspective of treating your health like a bank account. “You have to earn the right to enjoy an occasional cocktail or dessert.”
Channelise positive thoughts
Elaine revealed that she was 27 when she started getting into exercise, and back then, she thought she was old. Now at 97 she said she feels young. Another good trait that will help you live a long life is patience, the fitness expert added.
Further, she recommended focusing on the “good” decisions you’ve made instead of the bad ones. Lastly, she focused on prioritizing the health of your body. “Out of the 1,440 minutes in the day, isn’t it wise to invest 8 minutes in yourself?” Elaine asked.
Sleep well
The 97-year-old shared that it’s important to rest and sleep well even if you feel like you have a lot of energy. Sleep is one of the most important keys to living a healthy life.
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Elaine's fitness journey with her late husband
Elaine and her late husband, Jack LaLanne, revolutionized modern fitness in the 1950s and 1960s. Jack opened the first modern health club, called Jack LaLanne’s Physical Culture Studio, in 1936. He was also the first person to have a national exercise TV show. Jack died in 2011 at the age of 96. Elaine continues to progress on their fitness journey.