Donahue Wildman was a true icon of the fitness industry, an integral part of LVAC’s history, and a man whose passion for health and fitness was downright contagious. He didn’t just “talk the talk”, he “walked the walk,” leading by example and dedicating his life to fun, vitality, and living every day to the fullest.
A longtime resident of Malibu, California, Don was affectionately known as “The Wildman.” Few nicknames have ever suited a person better. He was a central figure in the “Malibu Mob,” an eclectic circle of professional athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs who trained together and traveled the globe in search of adventure. As one of the group’s senior members — and arguably the most athletic — The Wildman inspired legends like big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton, hockey great Chris Chelios, and tennis star John McEnroe. Other notable members included Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford, actors John C. McGinley and John Cusack, Kid Rock, and businessman Rande Gerber.
Don was also a visionary leader. He built the largest health club chain in the country, which grew to more than 300 clubs nationwide with over 4 million members. After more than 30 years as President and CEO of Bally Total Fitness (formerly Health and Tennis Corp. of America, or HTCA), Don retired in 1994. The following year, he joined LVAC as a principal owner and board member. Alongside his partners — including LVAC Chairman/CEO Rudy Smith, Andy Palluck, Jerry Kahn, and George Jaconetti — Don shaped the future of fitness.
To say The Wildman was an athletic icon can only be appreciated after recognizing some of his many athletic achievements along the way. Don loved triathlons and was a nine-time Hawaii Ironman Triathlon finisher, eventually winning his age division at the age of 60. He was also a two-time Race Across America competitor, and in 2010 at the age of 77 participated in the 3,000-mile race with teammates, Laird Hamilton and Tim Commerford. Continuing to compete into his 80s, Don was a ten-time participant in the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, in the road and mountain bike events. At 81-years-old, The Wildman received gold medals and world records in his age division on the mountain bike, and the road bike for the hill climb and time trial events.
The business of fitness has always been about more than treadmills and weights — it is about creating communities where people can transform their lives. Visionaries like Don Wildman, Rudy Smith, and other great pioneers of the industry combined their athletic passion with sharp business acumen to establish the foundation for modern health clubs. They understood that fitness facilities must deliver not only equipment and classes, but also motivation, inspiration, and overall experience.
The unmatched wisdom and insider knowledge of these pioneers still lives within LVAC today. Their lessons in customer service, club design, and long-term member engagement continue to guide the way our clubs operate. From building innovative fitness experiences to creating welcoming spaces where every member feels at home, the influence of leaders like Don remains woven into the fabric of LVAC. When members walk through our doors, they benefit from decades of tested strategies and timeless values that were set in motion by the legends of our industry.
Don never stopped innovating, either. He co-founded Golfboard, a hybrid of skateboard and golf cart that introduced the concept of “surfing the earth,” and he partnered in Handout Gloves, which feature a clever zipper design for improved dexterity. That company went on to appear on Shark Tank and earned investment from one of the Sharks.
He was also an early adopter of new fitness tools. Long before fitness tracking apps became mainstream, Don was meticulously logging his nutrition and training with MyFitnessPal. He lived by the motto: “If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”
Even as he battled cancer, Don’s resilience was unmatched. At 84, he traveled to Chile for a heliboarding adventure in the Andes — despite the disease impairing the use of his left leg and arm. Refusing to let cancer dictate his life, he insisted on one final run, proving once again that his spirit was stronger than any obstacle.
Don remarried in 2015, celebrating on the beach in Malibu surrounded by 300 friends and family. With his wife Nimisha, he spent the last three years of his life circling the globe on snowboarding adventures — Japan, Switzerland, Russia, the Himalayas, and beyond. He also spent countless days in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, averaging 70–100 days of snowboarding each year. Even in his 80s, he was always first in line for the lift, chasing the fresh powder.
His athleticism and relentless drive drew national attention. Esquire Magazine once dubbed him “The World’s Healthiest 75-Year-Old Man.” In an American Express ad, Laird Hamilton was asked to name his greatest inspiration. His answer: “The Wildman.”
Looking for some ways to live like the Wildman? Here’s a list of life lessons and concepts inspired by Don for living a fulfilling life:
- Show up, consistently. Fitness, health, and success come from doing the work day after day, not just in bursts.
- Lead by example. Don didn’t just preach fitness — he lived it. Be the kind of person whose actions inspire others.
- Age is not a limit. Stay active and curious no matter your age; physical vitality is built over a lifetime.
- Adventure keeps you young. Seek out experiences — travel, sports, challenges — that keep life exciting.
- Measure what matters. Track your health, habits, and goals; you can’t improve what you don’t pay attention to.
- Embrace innovation. Stay open to new tools, technology, and ideas that can enhance your life and health.
- Resilience over obstacles. Even when faced with illness, Don chose to push forward with determination and optimism.
- Health is freedom. Staying fit allows you to travel, explore, and enjoy life at its fullest for decades.
Don Wildman lived with unmatched passion, energy, and joy. He showed us what it means to embrace life fully, to pursue health and adventure without compromise, and to inspire others along the way.
