King of endorphins: after 32 years in the exercise world. Richard Simmons is still making people laugh and love their way to the fit life - Cover Story

I've always felt like the black sheep of the aerobics world," says Richard Simmons, the 55-year-old fitness super-guru. "Being so different--something I've been all my life--is a double-sided coin. Because of who I am, I've been embraced and rejected. Some people think I'm too silly. Others think I'm refreshing and colorful." No matter what your opinion, one thing's certain--his influence in the fitness industry is unprecedented.

Simmons entered the wonderful world of sweat 32 years ago when, after being snubbed at a Los Angeles dance studio, he felt compelled to open his own, more welcoming exercise space. Eighty-three best-selling videos later, he's still going strong. When asked what gives him staying power, he responds, "No tricks, gimmicks, special pills, special potions, special equipment. All it takes is desire and will." However, that's just half the secret to his success. The other half is Simmons himself. He's funny, charming and makes the time fly by when you're Sweatin' to the Oldies. In addition, underneath all the hoopla, curly brown hair and playful banter lies a heart full of compassion. No matter what your size, age, race or gender, Simmons aches for you to be healthy and happy. He puts on the gloves and steps into the ring with you as you battle the fat demon. He's a warrior disguised as a court jester.

In today's fitness climate, we, as a nation, are losing the battle. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 2002 Report, 58 million Americans are overweight; 40 million, obese and 3 million, morbidly obese. In addition, 78 percent of Americans do not meet basic activity level recommendations and 25 percent are completely sedentary. The number of children and teens with weight problems is at an all-time high. Heart disease, preventable with regular physical activity, is the number one killer of Americans. With more gyms, fitness professionals and money spent on diet products than ever before, it doesn't seem to make sense. Shouldn't the battle be won by now? Why is there an inverse relationship?

"For one, people don't make exercise a priority--everybody seems to be too busy," Simmons explains. "Secondly, gyms are too intimidating for the overweight person. They don't feel comfortable there, so they don't go. [Lastly,] overweight people need to move, Diet alone, isn't enough."

Therefore, we obviously need more warriors in this battle, which is why Simmons, along with fitness consultant Anne Czarkowski, is creating a fitness certification debuting in the fall. It will follow AFAA guidelines--in fact, AFAA certification will be a prerequisite. The certification workshops will take place at Slimmons, Simmons' studio in Beverly Hills, California, where details like breathing technique, music usage and personality will be at the course's forefront. "How an instructor relates to people separates good from great," Simmons declares. It will "also focus on exercise for special populations, such as Sit Tight (a routine incorporating a chair) and Platinum Sweat (a class designed for seniors). The goal, it seems, is not to simply train fitness professionals, but to inspire non-discriminating fitness warriors.

That's not all Simmons has been up to! His mall and convention tours continue and he's still very much in demand as a motivational speaker around the country. Whenever home in Los Angeles, he still teaches at Slimmons. Simmons also has the very successful "Cruise to Lose" with Carnival Cruise Lines--this year, to Alaska--where 400 people get Simmons' undivided attention for a week. There are cooking classes, exercise sessions and motivational talks. "Every year, 'Cruise to Lose' keeps getting better and better," he exclaims with his trademark enthusiasm, "Lots of people jump-start to a healthier life. It's exciting ... and we get to see so many beautiful places!" You can also catch a glimpse of Simmons on The Home Shopping Network, where he's created a user-friendly wellness line--products that help people fight the weight loss battle with Richard's classic "no tricks, no gimmicks" appeal.

"Some people read tea leaves; I read sweat marks," pronounces the always passionate Simmons. "When people walk away from my class, I can tell they've gotten a great workout and a great time and that makes me happy. I always want to make healthy living into something fun." This oh-so-colorful black sheep will probably be making fitness fun for another 32 years. Hopefully, we'll also see those United States health statistics take a turn for the better.

Ellen Barrett, M.S., an AFAA, ACE and Physical Mind Institute certified instructor, is founder of www.buffgirlfitness.com. She's the co-author of The Buff Girl Bible, which will be available in bookstores in June.

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