Fitness trainer Gilad Janklowicz, known worldwide for the programBodies in Motion, died at age 71. He passed away suddenly, after saying he “just wanted to sleep”, according to reports from those close to him.
His longtime partner and colleague, Chaya Halperin, the program’s iconic instructorFitness Hour, gave an interview to Ynet and expressed his shock at the loss. The two had a deep friendship for 40 years, described by her as “soulmates”.
The relationship began on a professional level. Halperin was on a training tour in Japan and, on his way back, he passed through Hawaii. He decided to meet the instructor he saw on the screen in person. Encontrou Gilad no Honolulu Club, participou das aulas dele e, a partir daí, desenvolveu-se uma amizade intensa.
Halperin highlighted Janklowicz’s professionalism. Ele mantinha um visual atlético, era extremamente preciso nos movimentos, mas sempre cuidadoso para que os exercícios fossem acessíveis a todos. “He defended simplicity,” he recalled. She was impressed by his presence, the way he taught and the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii that served as the background for the recordings.
The programBodies in Motion, recorded on the beaches of Hawaii, marked generations by making fitness accessible on television. Janklowicz, born in Israel, was a decathlon champion in the country before building an international career. He became a pioneer by showing that physical activity could be for anyone, at a time when the concept was not yet so widespread.
Friends and family described the scare of death. He was healthy and active almost until his last day, continuing to inspire students and viewers.
Return to TV plans
Recently, Janklowicz was in advanced talks with Sport 5 about a possible return to filming in Israel. A ideia era mostrar as paisagens israelenses para o público americano, em um formato que mesclasse fitness e turismo.
Halperin also mentioned joint plans for new training programs in the United States and Israel. Death interrupted these projects that excited the coach.
Legacy in the world of fitness
Janklowicz was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2007. His work helped popularize fitness culture before the explosion of today’s gyms and workout apps.
The news of his death generated commotion on social media, with testimonies from fans who grew up watching his morning or afternoon classes on TV.
