Q: How old

are you?

A: Well, today's my birthday, and I'm 91 years old.

Q: Man, you look fantastic. Are you still exercising two hours a day?

A: Yes, indeed. I train two hours every day. I do an hour and a half of weight training, then maybe a swim or a walk. I like change. I change my program every 30 days. You know, you get bored. The only thing I don't change is my wife.

Q: That's impressive. Do you recommend that all Americans exercise that much?

A: No, I do that for ego. I want to see how long I can keep this up. Most Americans should strive minimally for a vigorous 30 minutes of exercise three or four times a week. The only way you hurt the body is when you don't use it. Sitting around on your big fat gluteus maximus talking about the good old days. The good old days are right this second. You've got to exercise VIG-OR-OUSLY! Life is tough. Life is a challenge. Life is a battlefield... . Life is an athletic event, and you must train for it.

Q: Jack, what led you to pursue a career in fitness?

A: Well, I was a weak, sick kid. I was suicidal, psychotic, failing in school. I was a sugarholic... . Alcohol and sugar are synonymous. Both destroy the B vitamins. People are addicted to sugar just like they're addicted to booze.

Q: Many people pray for good health. What are your thoughts on that?

A: That's a big bunch of BS. God helps them who helps themselves. He gives you the power to do it. You've got to do it! People overeat, get fat, get sick and then pray to God. In life, there are certain rules you must follow. Life is like an athletic event. You've got to have goals and challenges. Exercise is king; nutrition is queen!

Q: What about

genetics?

A: You can't change your genetics. If you're tall, you're tall, and if you're short, you're short. Work with what you have and strive to be your best. Don't give excuses.

Q: When did you discover juicing?

A: I've been juicing since I was 15. I attended a health lecture that literally changed my life. I began juicing and became a strict vegetarian, and I joined the Berkeley [Calif.] YMCA. I began exercising, changed my diet, and the rest is history. I changed my life. My strength doubled. My energy doubled. No more headaches.

Q: I guess that was a workout, just getting the juice out.

A: Yeah, it was an old presser. Not like the juicers we have today. You know my Jack LaLanne Juicer? You can put whole pieces of fruit and vegetables in it.

Q: I know. I do quite a bit of juicing, and the older juicers require a lot of work. That's why I prefer yours.

A: Guess what? I just bought a new Corvette.

Q: A new Corvette? Well, what color is it?

A: Reddish maroon. You know, I've always loved sports cars.

Q: Is it a 6-speed or an automatic?

A: It's both... and it goes 180 miles an hour.

Q: What are your thoughts on kids and the obesity epidemic?

A: It is unconscionable what's being done to kids. It's a sin. Kids have to be taught to have pride and discipline. Exercise has to be compulsory. What's a good education and making good money if you don't have your health?

Q: You are right on the money. Do you have any closing thoughts?

A: If man makes it, I don't eat it. I practice what I preach. I eat 10 raw vegetables, 5 pieces of fruit, egg whites and fish for protein, and whole grains. Finally, if you can't have a sense of humor, you're dead. *

Jack LaLanne's books and products are available at his Web site, www.jacksjuicer.com.