What do you think of Richard Simmons and his plan?

I'm old (40) so forgive me that I didn't clarify. Richard Simmons was different that the other fitness "gurus" in the 80s like Jane Fonda (crazy hard videos - I could never touch my knee to the back of my neck), Tony Little (you had to buy his gazelle or whatever equipment he was hawking at the time), Denise Austin (churning out whatever latest fitness craze of the day was - pilates, kick boxing, yoga, intervals,etc) and Kathy Smith (the impossible step aerobic routine queen). He actively incorporated diet and exercise. He had the videos (yes - they are corny - I was never a big fan of "oldies") - but he tried whatever he could to get people moving.

He had his own television show for a while which covered diet and exercise and regularly had a sob session with someone who has either lost a lot of weight or is just starting on a program. Today, if you look at what Chris Powell, the Biggest Loser folks, Celebrity Fit Contests, Fat Chef, and the other shows depicting weight loss efforts, it's no different than what Richard Simmons was promoting over 20 years ago and what is generally being promoted here on MFP - healthy eating and exercising. I personally prefer my own music mix to work out to - admittedly stuff from this decade...

I'm not sure why you have disdain for this guy - sure he is a little flamboyant but that doesn't get in the way of what he is trying to do - help people lose weight and become healthier.

But then again you are relatively young, fit and awesome so you wouldn't understand.

I love Richard Simmon's committment to help people. I think he is a real go-getter and I love his flamboyance.

I think that he is a person who just exudes caring and hope. I loved the Sweatin' to the Oldies DVD (Vol 1) but I think that the Food Mover is less than accurate. I once had the gold food mover, but I could not stay with it. I didn't think that it related very well to real foods in my life. Now he has an electronic version of the food mover.

What are your thoughts about Richard in general or Richard's plan? Have you ever used it? Did you have a good result?

Jan

It's on DVD now??? I have an irrational love for Richard Simmons videos :laugh:

I adored him back in the 80's and I adore him now!!! Never used the gold food mover though, but I do remember seeing it advertised back then. He was one of the first, always positive, and encouraging and you got the feeling he really believed you could do it and that it truly mattered to him.

I love him too! I didn't know his " plan" but now that I do I just love him more:)

the only thing I have done regarding Richard Simmons was back when I lived in Hollywood in 1984 or 85...I had the opportunity to attend one of his exercise "classess"...it was a one time shot and was actually very exciting...what I remember most is that the air was electrified with his energy...never felt that before or since....magnetic actually...was quite an experience.....

Bump

I love him. He was the first person I ever saw ever talk about nutrition and exercise. I think that if more people would have watched him and listened we wouldn't as a nation be in the crisis we are in. It's too bad for me that I was too young (even though I was a teen ager) to really understand his message. I was still all about trying to lose fast, it obviously didn't work or didn't work for long.

The only problem I have is with that card system or whatever it is. I don't think it really teaches people to take control of what they are eating. Unfortunately the only real way to do that is to count calories and learn how much of what is in each food at least the macros.

His plan is very much like the WW exchange plan of ole or the diabetic diet. Both are very healthy. He looks like a real person, not buff or unattainable. I really like Richard Simmons, but I didn't know he was still in vogue:) I remember my dad catching me working out to him in on TV in the early "80s. My dad died in"85, so the flamboyant man is still young!

Did he ever admit that he was never fat?

I loved his TV show. The "YRU FAT" license plate and the Sweatin to the Oldies.

I like Richard Simmons. He's funny, entertaining and motivating. You watch all that energy emanating from him and it's contagious. He's good at what he does.

LOVE him! He is so sweet and seems like a genuinely caring and sensitive guy. I never followed his food plan but I used to workout to his DVDs. I should probably go get some and start up again. I just love his personality. I think he is very positive and motivating.

Here is the video that goes with that shot.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0-7EfR37Dg

That is hilarious :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

IK,R?!

I love Richard Simmons! I sweat with him everyday. I Have sweatin 1-5 and 2 others from him. I also have his cookbooks and his biography.

Yes, he was fat when he was younger, he did diet pills, starved himself and everything else under the sun. What he does works, it has worked for many years. My mom did the plan back in the early 90s with the cards, Ive done the plan with the food mover. IMO its still relevent as dietary needs dont change. The plan works if you work the plan properly so why change it?

I was also a member of the clubhouse online for a year, it was similar to this however he would go in and post and motivate people. He also does a live chat once a week with everyone. Its fun, and motivating. Ive found that if I dont have fun IM not going to do it.

I love love love love his videos! the people in them are real people who have lost weight/losing weight on the plan, he only puts real people in his videos

ketogirl4 wrote: »

I am 50 years old and was born in the 70's My Mum was always fit and healthy...so I never got to experience Richard the way some people did watching their mum work out with him!. I guess over time I knew who he was because he was famous. I started working out to his tone and sweat video (i downloaded from youtube) and adore it. I love it when he says "I'm just so proud ya here!"..that gets me every time. And now I have downloaded Disco Sweat and love it. The 70's music, the disco moves...yeah, I'm in heaven. I did it for the first time today and managed to do 17minutes. Very proud. Thank you Richard baby... you rock.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=richard+simmons+found+dead&FORM=R5FD

poodle_whisper wrote: »

ketogirl4 wrote: »

I am 50 years old and was born in the 70's My Mum was always fit and healthy...so I never got to experience Richard the way some people did watching their mum work out with him!. I guess over time I knew who he was because he was famous. I started working out to his tone and sweat video (i downloaded from youtube) and adore it. I love it when he says "I'm just so proud ya here!"..that gets me every time. And now I have downloaded Disco Sweat and love it. The 70's music, the disco moves...yeah, I'm in heaven. I did it for the first time today and managed to do 17minutes. Very proud. Thank you Richard baby... you rock.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=richard+simmons+found+dead&FORM=R5FD

Hi... There are nicer ways to tell someone that someone has passed. Going upside their heard with a Bing link isn't it.

Simmons' fitness plan promotes health through fun and positivity. It was his inclusive, energetic approach that encouraged people of all sizes to engage in physical activity. In spite of the fact that some may find his style unconventional, his passion for inspiring others to prioritize wellness remains timeless and significant in the fitness industry.