Celebrity fitness guru and occasional actor Richard Simmons is best known for the flamboyant enthusiasm he projects in exercise DVDs like "Sweatin' to the Oldies." Simmons younger self was far than svelte; in his late teens, he weighed close to 300 lbs. Still fit and fabulous in his 60s, Simmons' secrets are nothing that medical experts wouldn't hesitate to recommend: a sensible eating plan and regular exercise.
Early Years
Richard Simmons, whose birth name is Milton Teagle Simmons, was born on July 12, 1948 in New Orleans, LA. In 2008, Simmons, a self-professed "court jester and clown," told National Public Radio that he suffered from childhood obesity, weighing 200 lbs. in eighth grade. Simmons attributes his pudge to the lack of physical education in grade school during this time, as well as the food culture in which he grew up. Simmons, who began taking laxatives at age 11, tried a variety of weight-loss methods, including purging, diet pills and crash diets. He capped the scale at 268 at age 19, after which he starved himself for more than two months. Simmons lost more than 100 lbs., but compromised his health in the process.
Weight Loss
After getting his weight under control, Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s only to find there were no gyms that catered to people who were overweight or obese. After consulting with medical professionals and nutritionists, he opened his own gym, Slimmons, at the age of 25. It was Simmons' intention to create a gym where everyone felt comfortable -- not just those in superior physical shape. Individuals with special needs and seniors, as well as those with significant weight problems, were welcomed with open arms. As of March 2011, Simmons continues to teach exercise classes at Slimmons, located in Beverly Hills.
Projects and Products
Simmons had a regular role in the daytime television soap opera, "General Hospital." He also hosted "The Richard Simmons Show." His participation in both lasted four years. Simmons has authored nine books, including the "New York Times" best seller, "Never Say Diet." However, Simmons is best known for his exercise videos, which pair his peppy, encouraging banter with rock and pop tunes. In addition to "Sweatin' to the Oldies," he has released "Dance Your Pants Off," "Disco Sweat" and "Blast Off the Pounds. As of March 2011, his most recent videos included "Platinum Sweat" and "Sit Tight," a program for people who are unable perform physical activity while standing.
Secrets
Simmons' weight loss secrets aren't too different than those shared by medical experts and professional fitness organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine. He stresses the importance of seeing a doctor before embarking on a fitness program -- or a free clinic, if money is tight. Secondly, he stresses exercising portion control during meals. Lastly, Simmons emphasizes the importance of getting 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day of the week.
Passions
According to his official website, Simmons is concerned about the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States. He travels the country as many as 250 days out of the year giving motivational speeches at high schools, hospitals, nursing homes and even corporate environments. In a December 2009 interview with the "New York Times," Simmons said, "I don't have to teach anymore, I don't have to work anymore, God has been really good to me ... But I can't forget these people -- where would they go? Where would these men and women who don't feel accepted in other places, where would they find a place to work out where they could laugh and feel good about themselves?"
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