Here at our studio, we have a large collection of vintage books and magazines in our library. These books are our “go-to” source for design inspiration. One book that came to mind today is a gem of color, energy and movement: Jack LaLanne’s Slim and Trim Diet and Exercise Guide. Published 1969.
We found this book at a local church sale. The cover caught our eye with its cheesecake silhouette of a curvaceous woman, filled with photos of meat, pickles, macaroni salad and fruit. Who wouldn’t pick this book up? As kitschy as the cover was, it was the pages inside that sealed the purchase of this book (a $0.25 investment!).
The amazing layouts in the pages above feature black & white photos of Jack (in all his glory) cut out and pasted onto solid color backgrounds. You have to remember that this was before the use of computers and programs like Photoshop. To design this page, the layout artist had to physically cut the photo and glue it on to a background! Throughout the book, Jack uses various stylish chairs to demonstrate his exercises. I love his workout outfit in the pictures above; skin-tight slacks (he’s leaving nothing to the imagination!), a ribbed knit shirt, leather italian loafers and tan socks!
On the page above, Jack is demonstrating “the hip walk” excerise. The block of text is titled, “A WORD ABOUT GIRDLES”:
“In my opinion, the excessive use of a girdle can do much harm. First, it restricts the flow of blood to the lower parts of your body. Second, it holds up lazy muscles, never allowing them to develop their own support…..On the other hand, I’m not against occasional use of a girdle when it’s important for you to look a little more slender and trimmer than you are. But please don’t let a girdle become a habit and never wear one while exercising.”
Ok, Jack, I promise never to wear a girdle when exercising!
September 16th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
WOW - this truly is a gem! LOVE-LOVE-LOVE it! :)
September 16th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
wow, what a find! and double-wow on the “leaving little to the imagination” part! even with the small photos i can tell that his wardrobe choice was a little “constricting”.
September 16th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I’m inspired! Love the lining of the book, too.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Jack’s exercise routine has kept him around for many years! (He’s still around…in his 90’s now!) I remember (back in the dark ages of the early ’60’s) that he had his own exercise tv show - my best friend’s mom used to get out her broom handle and work out with Jack - and she made us exercise right along with her and Jack. I can still hear the organ music that the show used - probably live tv, I don’t know. Anyhow, thanks for the good memories!
September 17th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
http://www.jacklalanne.com/
Be really inspired, ladies!!
September 17th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Valerie,
Thanks for the link. I remember seeing him on TV when I was a kid. (i think it was re-runs) I watched some of his episodes on the site and a lot of the exercises are things we do in Mat Pilates class!
Susie
October 8th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Attack of the Random Supplicant, Pt. II
[In which he makes known to one and all, lest it appear his desperate plea was ignored, that Susie Bauer is one superb human being.]
I heart you Susie!
October 21st, 2009 at 4:24 pm
You know, if you look at old dress patterns or even try on vintage clothes, the waistlines are so TINY. And Jack LaLane was upset that people then weren’t fit! I wonder what he thinks now!?
January 13th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I was searching for digital photography tutorials when I found your site. Excellent post. Thank You.