Richard Simmons: The original Zumba instructor

That's funny. I never even thought of that. I've never done a Richard Simmons video but I just remember watching him as a kid on TV and loving all his sparkle, clothes and personality, but especially those clothes. With Richard though he was totally into showing people of all shapes and sizes just to prove you are never to old or too big to work out. Don't know if you can say the same with Zumba. I have not taken a class, but just watching the videos everyone is tight and toned and young. Aspiration but not necessarily inspiration I guess.

I am old enough to remember him, and to also to have had, and maybe even still have his vcr tapes!! I loved the music, but hated sweating, still do.... Bu it might be worth digging them out. Biggest difference is probably the jumping, which is the toughest part for me :laugh:

Richard's workouts are really good honest workouts for real people. You can get all of the Sweatin' to the Oldies on dvd.

One thing I love about him is that the people that are working out don't all look like they have been doing it for years. They are people that really need to workout.

Yeah, he made tons of money, but I really feel that he cares about what he has devoted his life to.

Lmfao, that's funny

With Richard though he was totally into showing people of all shapes and sizes just to prove you are never to old or too big to work out. Don't know if you can say the same with Zumba. I have not taken a class, but just watching the videos everyone is tight and toned and young.

Oh, you should so go to a class or find a local place that does it!

I went to a 2-hr Zumba-thon on Saturday and there were people of all sizes... and all ages! Even the local class I go to, there are people of different sizes. It's so much fun! And you don't have to worry about people looking at you or not knowing the steps because everyone is focused on trying to keep up with the instructor and not worrying about what the person next to them is doing. LOL

To the OP - I agree! There are few moves in Zumba that I remember doing on some of the Sweatin' to the Oldies VHS! :laugh:

I remember Sweatin' to the Oldies with VCR tapes with my mom! I also remember doing some Jane Fonda! I think both of those would hold up even now. Obviously, they'd seem a bit dated, but a good workout is a good workout. Simmons really made getting active accessible, and unintimidating. Obviously, I wasn't seriously exercising, really, back then (I do remember doing jane's stuff in HS, a bit), but I remember the dancing to be fun. I've never done a Zumba class, but I've taken a Hip Hop cardio class, and i LOVED it!

Yah - Richard Simmons is a pioneer. The "Deal a Meal" is like a predecessor to the Weight Watchers Point system. I definitely loved that he had people of all shapes and sizes in his videos. He gave the vibe that he truly cared about people with their fitness journey.