Fitness Guru Richard Simmons posts classic videos to “comfort” during Coronavirus pandemic

Richard Simmons, of “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” fame, is restoring his YouTube channel during the coronavirus pandemic with nostalgic workouts for people under home quarantine. “We have had an overwhelming request for Richard to return in some way as a comfort to all dealing with the pandemic,” said a spokesperson for the 71-year-old. “We thought we would start by re-releasing some workouts and other inspirational content on his YT channel. Richard is very touched by the outreach.”

A few weeks ago, Simmons began posting classic content including “10 Minute Sweat with Richard Simmons,” “Five Minute Retro Sweat Workout” and a “Motivational Monday” segment in which he reads viewer mail and touts the health benefits of non-fat frozen yogurt. “But don’t fall into the trap of adding all those toppings,” he says. Before this, his last YouTube videos were posted six years ago.

The pop culture icon’s Twitter and Facebook accounts have been sporadically maintained since 2016 (his last Instagram post was in 2014), amid rumors that he was missing or held captive. A New York Daily News report in 2016 described him as “frail and trembling” while allegedly under the thumb of his longtime housekeeper, according to concerned friends. “Richard is enjoying life at home after a 40-year career of traveling the world and inspiring people to take better care of themselves,” manager Michael Catalano told the New York Daily News. “He is working on several projects and continues to encourage those that need his help.”

Simmons also insisted that all was fine during a Today interview that aired days later. “No one is holding me in my house as a hostage,’ he said. “You know, I do what I want to do as I’ve always done so people should sort of just believe what I have to say because like I’m Richard Simmons!”  He elaborated on the need for self-care after enduring knee injuries. “I just really don’t want to do anything, you know,” he told NBC’s Today. “I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me, so it was not like over a day, it was just over some time…. For all the people that were worrying about me, I want to tell them that I love them with my whole heart and soul and that not to worry, Richard’s fine,” he said. “You haven’t seen the last of me. I’ll come back, and I’ll come back strong.”

In the 1970s, Simmons moved to Los Angeles and opened a Beverly Hills-based salad bar, favored by Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand, reported the Washington Post. An attached gym called “Slimmons” was operational until November 2016.  According to his website, Simmons created 65 fitness videos like “Dance Your Pants Off,” “Party Off the Pounds” and “Sit Tight” for disabled people. He also sold the weight loss tools Deal-A-Meal and FoodMover and published nine books, including the 1998 autobiography Still Hungry-After All These Years and Never Say Diet, the 1982 New York Times Best Seller.  Simmons also wanted children to value health and fitness — in 2010, he assisted with passing the the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act to promote physical education in schools.

This week, Simmons tweeted motivational messages such as, “Get up and move!” and “Are your snacks healthy?”  So Richard is back, and stronger than ever, just when we need him most.

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