Born Milton Teagle Simmons, Richard Simmons is known for his trademark afro, glittery leotards and boundless energy. After suffering from obesity as a child and personally struggling with ineffective and unhealthy diets in early adulthood, he opened an innovative exercise studio in 1974 and has since been helping people burn excess pounds with stimulating workouts and sensible meal plans.
Early Years
Simmons was born on July 12, 1948, and grew up in New Orleans' French Quarter. He struggled with weight from a very young age, and according to RichardSimmons.com, he weighed 268 pounds when he graduated from high school. As a young adult, Simmons sold pralines on New Orleans street corners, and after trying several diet plans, eventually conquered his own weight issues. Then, in 1973, he moved to Los Angeles and was inspired to create a health club where people of all fitness levels could feel comfortable.
TV Personality
According to Biography.com, Simmons was cast on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital" for four years, and in 1980, he created his own nationally syndicated talk show, "The Richard Simmons Show," which aired for four seasons. Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, Simmons also produced a series of popular exercise videos called, "Sweatin' to the Oldies," which were promoted in many infomercials. Other videos include "Dance Your Pants Off," "Disco Sweat," "Blast Off the Pounds" and "Platinum Sweat."
Author
Simmons has authored nine books, including cookbooks "Never Say Diet" and "The Richard Simmons Farewell to Fat Cookbook." In addition, he has written many self-help guides such as "Richard Simmons' Never Give Up," and in 1999, he released his autobiography, "Still Hungry After All These Years." Furthermore, as Biography.com explains, Simmons presented an exercise program specifically designed for the physically challenged in his 1986 book, "Reach for Fitness."
Educational Programs
Ever since Simmons opened his first health club, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills during the 1970s, he has been committed to educating people about how to reach a healthy weight. In the late 1980s, he created the "Deal-A-Meal" and "Food Mover" maintenance programs, which help dieters manage their caloric intake. Plus, according to RichardSimmons.com, he is on the road 250 days per year, giving lectures at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and expos. He still teaches at his studio when he's in L.A.. In addition, Simmons launched "Hoot Camp" in 2004 to help other fitness instructors learn how to motivate their students.
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