Right after Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, many websites have written about his death. It is believed that he had cardiac arrest (heart fails to contract and therefore affecting circulation of blood). While many knew that Michael is preparing for “This Is It” (series of 50 concerts in London), not many knew that he has engaged a bodybuilder to prepare him for the concerts.
Michael Jackson has actually engaged Lou Ferrigno as his personal trainer. The name of Lou Ferrigno may sound unfamiliar, but when you saw these below pictures, you will know who he is.
Yes, Lou Ferrigno is the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk television series. Lou and Michael have actually known each other for long time. In fact, Lou first trained Michael about 15 years ago. Talking about training, contrary to belief, it was not the hardcore type of weight training with huge load, it was more about conditioning and toning. Michael did not want to lift weights because he worried that he would bulk up. He just wanted to increase his flexibility and stamina. Michael paid much attention to his legs and therefore he spend most time in “conditioning and toning” his legs for his dance moves. Also, he chose not to run on treadmill; he just walked as his workout.
According to one of Lou’s interviews, Michael was in good health and great spirits, but his body was going through stress getting ready for the tour. Michael was seeing a voice teacher, then he went to train with Lou and later rushed to do rehearsing for at least 3 hours downtown. Some people said Michael Jackson’s talent was gifted and was luck to born with it. The truth is that he worked his butt off. What we saw on stage was years of long hours of his time spent in perfecting his dance. Not many knew that he spent hours in studio practicing his songs.
There was no discussion about medication nor other medical problems. Due to hectic schedule, he lost more weight. Jackson has actually been losing weight since early 1980s because of a change in diet and a desire for “a dancer’s body”. The 50-year old singer was 126 pounds (57 kilogram) at his height of 5′11 when he died. Rumor said that he ate only one meal a day.
Here are some pictures of Michael Jackson during his very last rehearsal for the comeback tour.
It is pity that Michael did not do any weight training, even under Lou, who himself is a professional bodybuilder (second place at 1974 Mr Olympia). I am not speculating by pumping iron, Michael would be able live longer. But, as we age, we still need muscle to help maintaining our body metabolism and we need muscles for day to day activities. So, looking at the high amount of on and off stage activities with only a meal a day, Michael was really putting a huge stress on his body. With the global focus on his come back, he probably has to go through huge mental pressure.
No matter what other rumors talk about Michael Jackson, he still is one of the best entertainers on the stage. He was hardworking. He gave his best for his fans.
Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone live from 1999 Korea concert:
Rest in peace, our beloved King of Pop.
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croft_st // Jul 12, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Medically it’s proven once and again that stress is really a killer indeed… :(
Yin Teing // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:36 PM
When heart attack happens to an appearently healthy person, you will get the exercise phobic folks saying ‘yeah, what’s the point of all that cardio? I thought cardio is supposed to give a strong heart? look at what happened to Michael Jackson’.
Thanks for your post as you mentioned how he was stressing his body. I am also beginning to observe there is a strong mind-body connection to diseases- still, definitely a physically active body will hold out longer compared to a sedentary one. After all, he really endured years of stress and public humiliation that had ultimately taken its toll.
Pat // Oct 31, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Better read up on the importance of calcium to help the heart. We need calcium our whole lives to help prevent a heart attack or a stroke. Who know if Michael was getting enough calcium or not. If he was only eating one meal he probably wasn’t getting enough. Men and women need at least 2,000 mg of calcium along with vitamin D to make it work. The bones and teeth need calcium too, this is for our whole lives. Some people think after a person becomes an adult they no longer need to take calcium or consume calcium but this just isn’t true.