Facts About Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons is a fitness guru whose adult life has revolved around helping people lose weight and lead healthier lives. His flamboyant personality and ability to motivate others helped him become one of the most well-known fitness instructors in the world.
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Early Years
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Richard Simmons was born on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the French Quarter where food was a way of life. Soon, the adolescent Richard weighed 250 pounds.
Unhealthy Weight Loss Methods
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Beginning in childhood, Simmons used laxatives, starvation and vomiting to help him lose weight. After trying these unhealthy methods, he began eating a balanced diet and exercising. Soon he achieved a healthy weight.
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Helping the Obese
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In 1973, Simmons moved to Los Angeles and searched for a fitness club that catered to overweight people. When he couldn't find one, he started his own fitness center in 1974.
Fitness Empire
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His center, called Slimmons, quickly became popular as it welcomed people of all shapes and sizes who longed to have a slimmer, healthier body.
Reaching People Through Television
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Simmons began to make appearances on TV and radio, helping others who battled with their weight. Soon, he had his own TV series where people sweated their way to slimmer bodies.
Fitness Videos
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Simmons also successfully ventured into fitness videos and other weight loss products. He has also written diet books, cookbooks and an autobiography.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
