Richard Simmons, an exercise teacher, motivator and entrepreneur, has helped overweight individuals lose more than 3,000,000 lbs. collectively by showing the world that exercise can be fun, notes his official website. As of 2011, Simmons has taught exercise classes at his gym, Slimmons, in Beverly Hills for 37 years. He continues to inspire men and women around the world to stay active with his numerous self-help books and exercise videos.
History
Simmons was born in New Orleans on July 12, 1948. Simmons was an overweight child -- by the time he graduated high school, Simmons weighed 268 lbs. Simmons turned his life around by eating healthy foods and exercising. In 1973, Simmons moved to Los Angeles, where he developed a fitness program with nutritionists and doctors. In 1974, he opened Slimmons and began teaching his exercise program to the public.
Slimmons in Beverly Hills
As of 2011, Richard Simmons teaches a variety of weekly classes at Slimmons, his Los Angeles-area fitness center. Simmons teaches the Project Me class on Saturdays, which is an inspirational exercise class. Richard Simmons exercise classes involve cardio, stretching and weight lifting. According to his official website, Simmons invites students to audition for his exercise videos. Richard Simmons' classes at Slimmons are available to the public and as of 2011, cost $12 a piece.
Television Appearances
Richard Simmons was a member of the cast of the soap opera "General Hospital" from 1979 until 1983. In 1980, Simmons launched his own talk show, "The Richard Simmons Show," which ran for four seasons. Additionally, Simmons has made numerous guest appearances on late night talk shows, including "Late Night with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."
Exercise Books and Videos
Richard Simmons may be most notable for his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" exercise video series, one of the 50 exercise videos that he has released. Other video titles include "Disco Sweat," "Sit Tight" and "Blast Off the Pounds." Additionally, Simmons has released a variety of self-help and fitness books, including "The Richard Simmons' Farewell to Fat Cookbook: Homemade in the U.S.A." and "Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged," a book that specializes on modified exercises for physically challenged individuals.
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