If you had to choose one word to describe Richard Simmons, flamboyant would come to mind. But beneath the sense of humor and drama, he is serious about helping overweight people get fit and healthy. According to RichardSimmons.com, over the course of his career, he has helped men and women lose 3 million pounds of excess fat. He has achieved this by encouraging sensible diet and fun yet effective exercise.
History
Richard Simmons was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 12, 1948. No stranger to weight issues, Simmons remembers being overweight as a child, and by the time he graduated high school, he weighed 268 pounds, according to his website. After numerous unhealthy and unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, he finally succeeded by eating sensibly and exercising. Fresh from this victory, he moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and began his fitness- and health-oriented career.
Television
In 1979, Simmons landed a role in the daytime soap General Hospital. Not content with just acting, he began concentrating on the fitness and health industry. "The Richard Simmons Show" had a four-year Emmy winning run, and while using his television success to help people lose weight, he also makes 250 personal appearances a year. His sense of humor earned him status as a favored guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with David Letterman."
Books and Videos
Searching for ways to help the physically challenged stay fit led to his book, "Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged." Simmons also wrote a self-help book titled "Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope." He also has published cookbooks and an autobiography. His fitness videos have sold more than 10 million copies, proving that easy and entertaining workout routines are desired by the American public.
Childhood Obesity Solutions
In 2008, Simmons testified before the House Education Committee on childhood obesity. Simmons warned that we need to stop the upward trend in weight and that he is willing to work for the cause. True to form, after testifying, he changed out of a suit and into workout gear to lead the crowd in an exercise session. AARP reports that Simmons is still going strong in the fitness business by teaching classes at his studio in Beverly Hills, called Slimmons.
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