They thought that athletes that worked out with my system wouldn't be able to throw a ball because they'd be too muscle bound. Those are the misconceptions I had to go through for about 40 years.

Timeline: LaLanne's feats
(As reported on Jack LaLanne's website) These accounts are not necessarily entirely accurate descriptions of what LaLanne actually did. He had violent episodes directed against himself and others describing himself as "a miserable goddamn kid. You see life is a battlefield.

Steve Reeves credited LaLanne as his inspiration to build his muscular physique while keeping a slim waist. LaLanne also gained recognition for his success as a bodybuilder as well as for his prodigious feats of strength. "
Decades before health and fitness began being promoted by celebrities like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons LaLanne was already widely recognized for publicly preaching the health benefits of regular exercise and a good diet.