Alberici Sisters with Jack LaLanne celebrating his 95th Birthday: Maria Lauren, Jack LaLanne, Linda Eichberg
The beginning of another year and a time to make plans to map out your powerful life! My parents were the GPS that guided me on a positive path but along my journey, there were other motivational people whose purposeful life continue to be a powerful beacon in my life, today.
My sister and I, Alberici Sisters, grew up watching Jack LaLanne on TV. The Jack LaLanne Show was the longest-running health and fitness show in history, airing from 1951 to 1985. Recently, my sister, Linda Eichberg and I sang “Happy Birthday” to Jack LaLanne for his 95th birthday and led participants in 95 “Jumping Jacks” at the Los Angeles Council Chambers. Our enthusiasm shook up the room and Jack’s sense of humor had us all laughing. Now, that’s a prescription for good health!
Jack LaLanne, Godfather of Fitness
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Jack LaLanne’s TV show inspired my family to keep healthy and fit. Coincidentally, both my father and Jack LaLanne suffered from illness when they were young boys. That motivated my father to raise his big family of nine children on freshly squeezed vegetable juice and daily exercise. We kept these healthy family values, even before it was popular.
Being children in the 1960s, we suffered ridicule from our peers for bringing whole wheat bread to school. This was during the ‘wonder bread’ or white bread era. We were not rich but my father and mother were diligent in their struggle to feed all their children healthy and wholesome food. They often told us, “You are what you eat” and “Health is wealth.” These statements were a positive influence that guided me to be the first woman to win two National Fitness Titles, all in one year. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former Mr. Olympia was one of the judges and handed me my trophy.
Maria Lauren, (aka) Maria Elena Alberici, National Fitness Champ
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POWERFUL EVENTS: I’ve been blessed to have had the inspiration of “Power People” touch my life. Another fitness pioneer is Joe Weider. Recently, I was pleased to be one of the speakers to share the podium with Joe at the first National Fitness Day in LA., a part of the Shape Up America Campaign held in Los Angeles, California.
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SHARING FITNESS VALUES TODAY: Continuing my passion for fitness, I’ve extended my expertise as an on-staff Lifestyle Educator at Kaiser Pemanente where I teach exercise classes. According to a joint ranking by U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance, we offer the top-ranked health plans in the nation in both Medicaid and Medicare.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.: This month we celebrate another “Powerful Life,” Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Become the change that you want to see in your life. Strive to be consistent, trusting in the power that created you. Nobody is perfect, so there will be little failures and little successes, even little miracles. I believe in miracles. Do you?
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Wishing you many blessings,
Maria Lauren, AKA: Maria Elena Alberici
Beyond Our Wildest Dreams, tells the story of two sisters growing up with healthy values and entertaining with showbiz icons that include the Rat Pack.
- Keynote Speakers and Lifestyle Educators “You Got The Power”
- Entertainers “Showstoppers”
- Singing or Fitness Instructors
YourPowerfulLIFE Blog 
Hello Maria – Thank you for the article on the great Jack LaLanne. Since Jack lived on the Central Coast of California, I was fortunate to meet him on a couple of occasions. Jack’s good friend from childhood, Dr. Bill Parker, DVM and Jack continued to swim together each morning at the pool at Morro Bay High School. I believe they did this well into their 80’s. Sadly, both Jack and Bill are now gone. I have a delightful story that will remain with me for life. We were at a birthday party for Bill Parker at their ranch in Morro Bay. Jack and his wife Elaine were there and of course Jack was the center of attention. I wanted to ask Jack about a nutrition plan for my young son who was a high school distance swimmer. There appeared to be no way I was going to get past the hordes of people talking with the “guru of fitness”. Then I saw his lovely wife, Elaine and I had an idea. I walked up to Elaine, introduced myself and told her that as a young child, I watched my Mom exercise to Jack each morning via KPIX TV in San Francisco. I told her I was most interested not in Jack, or his white German Shepherd’s, but rather his lovely exercise assistant, Elaine Doyle. She kind of smiled and said, “You remember me as Elaine Doyle?” I told her I did and I also remembered her part in a commercial for Eucalyptus Soap. She washed the hair of former Tarzan, Lex Boyd right on the T.V. Well, she was amazed, and quickly grabbed my hand, took me right to the front of the line, and said, “Jack, this young man remembers me as Elaine Doyle.” She made certain he discussed my nutrition questions with me, then proceeded to take my arm and introduce me to everyone at the party. What a great moment in my life, and she was such a wonderful, gracious and spirited lady. Jack actually gave me his phone number and told me he would like to work with my son, on his plan. Sadly, we were never able to do so, but I will never forget that moment with this most amazing man who only knew how to live his life from a positive perspective, and his charming wife. That day created a life time memory for me. Thanks to Your Powerful LIFE for bringing us your wonderful story about Jack and your family.
Dear Michael:
Thank you for your inspiring and heart warming story about Jack LaLanne and his wife, Elaine. When my sister Linda Eichberg and I met Jack LaLanne and his wife, we came away thinking how lucky he was to have such a classy wife. She suggested to her sons that they give us some of her special facial cream. We were glad to receive it because she looked great!
Michael, good luck with the launching of your book of poems called, “Positively America” and staying on the positive path!
Wishing you continued Blessings,
Maria Lauren
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HE WAS ASKED BY A MONEY POWERHOUSE ABOUT HIS NEW JUICER THAT MUST BE MAKING A MINT. HE OVER LOOKED THE THOUGHT ENTIRELY TO SAY HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE HELPING THEIR HEALTH…………………. . 1996 .
You’re so sweet. You always said that Jack LaLanne reminded you of our dad. Dad certainly believed in freshly squeezed vegetable juice and fitness. Susie, you’ll always be a special part of our “Golddigger family.” Love ya!
Maria
Thank you for the article on Jack LaLanne. What a positive influence this man has had on this country. I use to work out to his TV program when my children were babies. When they started school I joined one of his gyms.
May God bless him, and his family.
God bless you and your family too.
Special thanks to your niece, who is in Haiti now distributing medical supplies: http://www.aidtohaiti.org
With appreciation,
Maria
I remember Jack used to have his dog exercise too! What a guy-reminds me of Dad. You had exposure to promoting a positive lifestyle through Dad and Ralph Pepino. Build on the legacy! XO Alane
From coast to coast … Hi!
Where would we be without the motivational people who touched our lives?
Dad was dynamic in his passion for teaching us the value of health and fitness in our lives, while it was Ralf Pepino’s idea to act as my fitness trainer and enter me into the national contests. They gave me the tools for the winning formula and mom’s genes didn’t hurt either!
Our whole family were pioneers in healthy eating and for that we can be proud, even grateful. Although at that time, people did not understand our strict diet: no candy, no white flour or white sugar, no meat … with a big yes to: fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts, beans and whole grains.
Let’s face it, we were freaks! It’s all in the book that Linda and I are writing, along with stories about the showbiz legends that we performed with: http://www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com
Our delicious family recipes would make another wonderful book to help those looking for a healthier path. Alane, you would be the head chef with sister June as the head dietician! 🙂
Love,
Maria
Go sister! I join you in expressing gratitude to those who have sacrificed and inspired us. Our parents were wonderful role models as well as Jack LaLanne. It was an honor to be part of the Jack LaLanne Day celebration and to represent Total Woman Gym at the event. The Los Angeles City Council honored Jack LaLanne with a special day to commemorate his contribution to the health and fitness field. Thanks Maria, my “fitness sister”, for sharing that day with me and for being a positive inspiration to me and so many other woman. Much love, Linda
Thanks for your sisterly support! Sharing family, friends and a life filled with fitness and entertainment adventures, has been a blessing.
Love,
Maria