Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons (born July 12, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is a fitness guru and celebrity.

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His r?sum? includes fitness videos (notably his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" series), television shows (including a stint on the American soap opera "General Hospital" in the 1970s), and his own "The Richard Simmons Show" in the early 1980s. He has written several books, and produced the "Deal A Meal" and "FoodMover" weight loss plans. He hosts his Cruise to Lose on Carnival Cruise Lines, has made movie cameo appearances and even an exercise album in 1983.

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Despite his often-times flamboyant and comedic persona, Simmons has a serious side and a passion for helping obese people lose weight. This after he lost 123 lb (56 kg) himself, and opened his own exercise studio, Slimmons, in the 1970s in response to discrimination by exercise studios of the day against the overweight. That studio still exists on Civic Center Drive in Beverly Hills, California, and Simmons still teaches motivational classes and aerobics on many Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as many Saturday mornings.

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Simmons also teaches other instructors to teach with his method, aka "The Simmons Method." The training is done periodically at what is called "Hoot Camp." Hoot Camp is a very new concept, and has been approved by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Hoot camp earns continuing education credits for those instructors certified by AFAA. Hoot Camp is normally taught in Beverly Hills, but training has also taken place in St. Joseph, Missouri.

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It is commonly held that Richard Simmons is a homosexual. However, during a press release in September of 2003 he denied this, declining to comment further.

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On March 24, 2005, Simmons was arrested and charged with assault after allegedly slapping a motorcycle salesman at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. The salesman, Chris Farney, spotted Simmons in the crowd and allegedly said, "Look, Richard Simmons! Drop your bags, let's rock to the '50s."

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Simmons allegedly replied, "It's not nice to make fun of people with issues." He then allegedly lightly slapped Farney's face, and Farney, who was uninjured, called the police. It was later revealed that Farney was an ex-convict, recently released from serving three years in prison after being found guilty of aggravated assault. All charges against Simmons were dropped.

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In September 2005 Simmons appeared on Entertainment Tonight with news of the effect Hurricane Katrina has had on his family in New Orleans and his subsequent involvement in aiding those affected by the hurricane.

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Simmons travels the United States, teaching classes, and spends a great deal of time phoning people who have asked for his help. He is still very active in the fitness industry and has just launched a brand new website, and is working on more new fitness videos to make their debut in 2006.

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He currently hosts a three hour weekly radio show, called "Lighten Up with Richard Simmons" every Sunday afternoon on Sirius radio.

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July 12: July 12 is the 193rd day (194th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 172 days remaining....

1948: 1948 is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar)....

New Orleans: New Orleans ( or , locally or ; ) is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana....

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