Richard Simmons

Thirty years and 3,000,000 pounds later, Richard Simmons is still going strong. Using his unique wit, passion and enthusiasm, Simmons, the nation's most revered fitness expert, continues his crusade to reach out to the masses, encouraging them to take control of their fitness destiny. Delivering a serious message with his trademark humor, Simmons has helped millions of overweight men and women lose more than 3,000,000 pounds by adopting sensible balanced eating programs and exercise regimes that are energetic, fun and motivating.

Simmons' success as a fitness expert and advocate led to numerous local and national television and radio appearances including a four-year run on "General Hospital", followed by his own nationally syndicated series, "The Richard Simmons Show". The show ran for four years and received several Emmy Awards.

Knowing that exercise and weight loss regimes must go hand-in hand, Simmons has created a series of products that integrate the two components of a sensible weight loss program. Deal-A-Meal and the FoodMover help people keep track of their food intake through the use of a device to keep track of calories and portions. His 50 fitness videos, which have sold over 20 million copies, pair lively music, with rockin' routines and Simmons' humorous banter and encouragement. With titles that include "Sweatin' to the Oldies", "Dance Your Pants Off", "Disco Sweat", "Blast Off the Pounds", "Platinum Sweat", and "Sit Tight", a workout designed for people who cannot stand, Richard offers a routine for everyone.

His newest exercise DVDs, released in January 2010, are "Sweatin to the Oldies 5" and "Tonin' to the Oldies." All of Richard's programs offer well-known and wildly popular songs personally selected by him for the ultimate workout experience.

As the author of nine books, including the New York Times Best Seller, "Never Say Diet", Richard released his autobiography, "Still Hungry-After All These Years" in 1998. He is also the author of three best-selling cookbooks. In 2010 Simmons will lead his 29th Cruise to Lose program aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. Guests cruise from New Orleans to Belize, Isla Roatan and Cozumel.

Alarmed by the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, Richard helped launch the Fit Kids Bill in Congress with the help of Congressmen Zach Wamp and Ron Kind. The effort is to ensure that physical education classes are reinstated or remain a part of the curriculum in public schools. Richard testified before a congressional committee and spoke of his own personal battle as an overweight child.

Still fighting the fitness battle with humor and enthusiasm, Simmons vows to never give up and promises that he will continue his crusade until it's time for him to teach classes at the Pearly Gates.