Richard Simmons’s Bold Message: Exercise Is for Everyone
Simmons transformed the fitness industry by promoting the idea that you don't need to be slim to start working out, paving the way for the modern era of exercise.
In the late 1970s, the landscape of fitness in Los Angeles was rather exclusive, dominated by a few notable options. Jane Fonda’s studio in Beverly Hills attracted a clientele that fit a specific mold: thin, glamorous, and typically part of the entertainment industry. For those more focused on muscle building, Gold’s Gym was the go-to spot, with a male-dominated environment inspired by the ideals of bodybuilding champion Arnold Schwarzenegger. Amidst this backdrop of fitness elitism, Richard Simmons emerged as a transformative figure, revolutionizing the workout scene with his vibrant personality and inclusive approach.
Simmons, who passed away at 76, brought a refreshing energy to the fitness world, encouraging people from all walks of life to join him in exercise. His signature style—characterized by a frizzy mane of hair, sequined tank tops, and short shorts—set him apart. As Daniel Kunitz, author of “Lift: Fitness Culture,” noted, Simmons didn’t fit the mold of the traditional fitness icon, appealing instead to those who didn’t see themselves reflected in the prevailing fitness culture.
Despite his warm, inviting demeanor, Simmons was primarily focused on weight loss, driven by his own experiences with obesity and bullying in childhood. Growing up in New Orleans, he faced relentless teasing for his weight, which influenced his future in the fitness industry. After a brief stint in Italy as an actor, where he was often cast based on his size, he received a poignant note on his car urging him to lose weight for health reasons. This spurred a dangerous cycle of extreme dieting that led to health issues. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles, where he struggled to find a fitness community that embraced him.
In the mid-1970s, Simmons opened his first studio, Anatomy Asylum, followed by Slimmons, where he promoted an inclusive environment with the slogan “come one, come all.” His classes blended exercise with entertainment, and he became known for dressing in elaborate costumes and adopting whimsical personas, making fitness feel less like a chore and more like a celebration.
Simmons’ innovative approach was not just about losing weight; he believed in making exercise enjoyable. As historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela pointed out, Simmons redefined fitness as a fun and joyful activity, helping many people find happiness in movement. His unique ability to entertain while instructing allowed him to connect deeply with his audience.
In a bid to motivate his clients, Simmons sometimes used shocking imagery, such as autopsy photos of obese organs, believing it to be an act of love. His success transcended local studios; he quickly became a household name through best-selling books, TV shows, and his popular “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” VHS series, which featured everyday people rather than fitness models, allowing a wider audience to resonate with his message.
Simmons helped to pave the way for fitness instructors as celebrities, sharing the spotlight with figures like Jane Fonda and Kathy Smith. However, he stood out for injecting a theatrical flair into fitness, transforming it into an experience rather than merely a workout. He was self-taught, lacking formal training, yet he eventually brought in experts to ensure his methods were safe and effective.
Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Simmons’ legacy is complicated. His era’s emphasis on weight loss can be seen as outdated and, in some respects, harmful in today’s context of body positivity. Critics note that his language and branding, such as his license plate reading “YRUFATT” and self-identification as a “former fatty,” can be perceived as insensitive or derogatory in the current climate of advocating for body acceptance.
Activist Virgie Tovar highlighted Simmons’ dual legacy: he offered unprecedented compassion for plus-size individuals in the fitness realm, yet remained focused on weight loss as the ultimate goal. Tovar speculated that had Simmons emerged today, he would likely have embraced contemporary movements advocating for body positivity and health at every size, potentially leading a truly inclusive fitness revolution.
Ultimately, Richard Simmons left a lasting impact on fitness culture. His message about finding joy in movement continues to resonate, reminding us that while weight loss was his focus, the underlying principle of enjoyment and inclusivity in exercise remains relevant today. While he may have struggled to fully embrace the body acceptance movement, his contributions to making fitness accessible and fun for many cannot be understated. His life and career illustrate the complexities of fitness culture and the ongoing journey towards inclusivity in health and wellness.