Aren’t you tired of your workout routine? It’s the same regime again and again, and it’s all about technique, method, posture, and serious stuff. Now check this out–
They seem to be having so much fun; don’t you want to join them instead of your boring sets?
This is how Richard Simmons redefined workouts in the 80s– Fun, vibrant, encouraging, and without judgment. From overweight to skinny, old to young, men, women, children, and even people with weak hearts could follow his regime and feel energized in under an hour.
Countless aerobics VHS tapes were released in the 1980s. These workouts were such a rage that even John Travolta couldn’t resist trying them–
Yet, one man would dominate the aerobic workout industry and emerge a star. It wasn’t just about his exercise routine; Richard Simmons became a brand because his flamboyant, energetic, upbeat, and eccentric personality entertains us even today.
As the fitness celebrity turns 75 on July 12, people miss seeing him in action. But where is Richard Simmons? Why haven’t we seen him or heard from him for so long?
What Happened to Exercise Guru Simmons?
Richard Simmons was a phenomenon, starting his healthcare journey through personal experience. He struggled with obesity and body image issues as a teenager through adulthood. Determined to flip his life, he started exercising and learned about nutritional diets when working as maître d’hôtel at Derek restaurant in Beverly Hills.
After losing around 123 lbs, he decided to start his own establishment that covered exercises, diet, a healthy lifestyle, and positive reinforcement. He founded The Anatomy Asylum, which focused on a fun easy-to-do regime and included a salad bar restaurant, Ruffage (play on words with Roughage, a dietary fiber). Later, he rebranded the studio only for exercise. Hence, he named the studio “Slimmons,” a portmanteau for Slimming+Simmons.
People enrolled due to the growing popularity of Slimmons, which propagated motivational classes and encouraged people to own their bodies and work for themselves. With an intent to reach out to a broader audience, Simmons decided to record his workout routines and release them on Sweatin’ to the Oldies aerobics VHS tapes, which earned over $200 million.
And just like that, Richard Simmons was no longer just an exercise guru; he was the star among stars. Celebrities and talk show hosts, everyone was enthralled by Richard’s eccentricity and addicting vibe. He gained massive popularity, propelling his business and making him one of the most influential people in the 90s.
He also earned the highest honor of being a pop-culture icon, a tabloid’s favorite celebrity, and the most commonly spoofed personality. People loved making parodies of his videos but also respected his hustle. He appeared on several late-night talk shows, including The Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, and more.
But behind the vibrant leotard-wearing exuberant fitness guru, Richard Simmons also advocated for various social causes. His political activism and initiative of the No Child Left Behind Act introduced non-competitive physical education in public schools.
He was constantly in the limelight until he decided to leave behind his fame.
Did Richard Simmons Retire?
The Slimmons employees noticed a sudden shift in Richard’s demeanor. He was not like his usual exuberant self, constantly joking and interacting with everyone. They observed how Richard got more reserved.
Eventually, in 2014, Richard announced that he was stepping down as the CEO of Slimmons and enjoying his retirement. His workout studio in Beverly Hills finally shut down in 2016.
Where Is Richard Simmons Living?
Richard was rarely spotted after he announced his retirement. But on rare occasions, he was seen strolling outside his Beverly Hills mansion in 2017.
According to the latest updates, he is currently residing in his house at Belfast Drive in the Hollywood Hills with his three Dalmatians and two maids.
How Long Ago Did Richard Simmons Disappear?
TMZ released a documentary called “TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons” that revealed that Richard was suffering from an ailment.
According to TMZ editor Fabian Garcia–
“Something that happened to him at birth is directly connected to his disappearance — a birth defect that significantly affected one of his legs.”
One of the reasons why Simmons decided to shun away from the limelight was because he wanted to be remembered as the same vibrant ray of sunshine rather than his present self, who needs a cane to walk. He disappeared almost a decade ago, leaving behind a legacy like no other.
What are your thoughts on Richard Simmons’s journey? Have you ever tried his workout routine? Let us know in the comments section below.
