- Fitness guru Richard Simmons has died
- He was 76 years old
- Simmons passed of natural causes
In an era where spandex and high-energy workout routines reigned supreme, Richard Simmons became the embodiment of health and happiness, leaving an indelible mark on the fitness world.
A Life of Joy and Inspiration
Sadly, the news broke early Saturday morning that the beloved fitness personality had passed away, just a day after celebrating his 76th birthday. Tom Estey, Simmons' longtime publicist, mourned the loss, stating, "We lost an Angel today - a true Angel."
Los Angeles police and fire departments say they responded to a Los Angeles house where a man was declared dead from natural causes. Neither provided a name, but 'The Associated Press' matched the address and age to Simmons through public records.
Richard Simmons was more than just a fitness instructor; he was a beacon of positivity, touching the lives of thousands with his infectious enthusiasm and genuine care.
He was known to counsel the severely obese, including Rosalie Bradford, who held records for being the world’s heaviest woman, and Michael Hebranko, who credited Simmons for helping him lose 700 pounds.
Simmons put real people — chubby, balding or non-telegenic — in his exercise videos to make the fitness goals seem reachable.
Throughout his career, Simmons was a reliable critic of fad diets, always emphasizing healthy eating and exercise plans.
"There’ll always be some weird thing about eating four grapes before you go to bed, or drinking a special tea, or buying this little bean from El Salvador." he told the 'AP' in 2005 as the Atkins diet craze swept the country.
"If you watch your portions and you have a good attitude and you work out every day you’ll live longer, feel better and look terrific."
His brother, Lenny Simmons, urges fans not to dwell in sadness but to celebrate the joy and love Richard brought into the world.
"He truly cared about people," Lenny reminisced, highlighting Richard's dedication to personal outreach throughout his illustrious career.
Simmons' journey to fitness fame was fraught with personal struggles, including battles with obesity from a young age. His transformative journey from an overweight child to a fitness icon is nothing short of inspirational.
Opening 'Slimmons,' one of the first aerobic studios in Beverly Hills in 1974, Simmons paved the way for his future success, including the hit 'Richard Simmons Show' and the classic 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' video series.
"My food plan and diet are just two words — common sense. With a dash of good humour," he told 'The Associated Press' in 1982. "I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happy place."
Despite stepping back from the public eye in recent years, Simmons continued to inspire and motivate through social media, sharing messages of hope and encouragement.
His recent birthday was met with an outpouring of love from fans, a testament to the impact of his decades-long career dedicated to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.
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As we bid farewell to Richard Simmons, let's honor his memory by embracing his message of self-love, perseverance, and the joy of living each day to the fullest.
Richard's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to dance, smile, and sweat their way to a healthier, happier life
