#slimmons

[gspotla]

Morning. #mondaymotivation #mondayvibes #richardsimmons #slimmons https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtr-7zJSbT/?igshid=3yx4nfe627f2

[stephaniediani]

Has time slowed fitness guru Richard Simmons down?

Nope. And he looks better in nylons than I do.

Photographed for the New York Times

[liberaltendencies]

My high school prom date was gay, and I have Richard Simmons to thank

[theweightsaint-blog]

Tree Lover. Life Lover.

[theweightsaint-blog]

Would you like to swing on a star or a tree?- Richard Simmons

[newhologram]

Also, Richard Simmons kept saying like, "Give love a chance, so your heart can dance." 

May have been slightly different, but I'm sure it meant something to a lot of people at the studio. :>

[laceychabert-blog]

Day 21: Richard Simmons Aerobics Class

When I heard that Richard Simmons still teaches aerobics at his gym Slimmons in Beverly Hills, I knew this was something I had to check out immediately. I've watched Richard Simmons my whole life on various TV programs inspiring people to get moving and live healthier lifestyles. He personally teaches the class about three times a week, so I recruited my friend Jonathan to take his signature SWEAT class with me. We got to Slimmons over an hour early because we heard that the class sells out quickly when Richard is teaching. We were the first people there! Within an hour though, it was packed.

"It's Raining Men" is blasting on the stereo and in he walks. Now, when you meet someone with a personality that's larger than life, you never know what they will be like in real life. I was a little nervous, but he exceeded our expectations in the best way. When he arrives, Richard personally comes up to every person, asks you your name, gives you a kiss on the cheek, and tells you he's happy you're there. I was touched that he takes the time to do this every class especially since there were over 100 people there! He is so sweet and warm. When he found out Jonathan and I are actors, he said, "Ugh, I could never handle the auditions, so 38 years ago, I built this place and this is my stage." He wasn't kidding. He commands that stage and makes you want to do your best. Whether it was a squat or some cha-cha/jazz hand combination, we gave it our all. It also helps that he's yelling out things like, "Get lower! Pretend like there's a cookie on the floor!" At one point I wiped around my eye because sweat was burning my eyeball and he yells with an epic eye roll, "Lacey, you can do your makeup LATER! You better move that butt like you're coming to save my life!" He's absolutely hilarious. I could tell he truly is passionate about empowering people while also entertaining them. It's an infectious combination.

We danced/did aerobics to the oldies along with everything from songs like "I Will Survive" to a techno version of "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas. It was amazing to say the least.  We laughed and sweat our butts off the whole class while he's screaming out hilarious, irreverent comments. It was hard to keep up but we did our best cha-chas, jives and leg lifts that we could manage. Jonathan has the ability to run around in this sweat box of a dance studio for an hour and a half and still looked perfect afterwards. I, on the other hand, was a sweaty mess.

At one point everyone forms a circle and Richard chooses two people at a time to do aerobic moves with him in the middle. I looked at the floor and tried to blend into the wall, but there was no hiding! I get REALLY shy in these kind of situations. I mean, out of 100 people he chose us right off the bat! He had Jonathan rip off his shirt and there we were, in the middle of Slimmons doing leg lifts with Richard Simmons. Surreal.

  After toning and stretching, he begins to wrap up class by singing happy birthday to all those celebrating this week. Of course, Jonathan outs me as having the big 3-0 on Sunday. Next thing I know, I'm standing there with three other women while Richard Simmons and 100 other new friends are singing us Happy Birthday. After a few snarky, funny comments, he looks me in the eye with such genuine kindness and with a kiss on the cheek, wishes me a Happy Birthday. He really cares. 

Just before being dismissed, he spoke for a minute about a bracelet that he handed out to everyone as a gift. Printed on the rubber bracelet are the words:  H.O.P.E. which stands for Health Optimism Passion Energy. He became emotional when he explained that he had these made to remind us all that no matter our circumstances, remember there's hope. He went on to say, "Whenever you're having a hard day or you've been hurt, I want you to look down and remember there's always hope. Because friends, you can't get anywhere without HOPE."

We went to work out our bodies, but Richard sees to it that your spirit is nurtured as well. I was impressed. Thank you Richard for all you do to better lives!  I'm looking forward to sweating to the oldies with you again soon! And next time I'll be more prepared. There will be rhinestones.