Richard Simmons

I have been in the Fitness and Health arena for over 20 years now. I started out with a desire to lose a lot of weight and get myself in shape.  After my very first aerobics class I never looked back. What began as a means to get healthy evolved into my PASSION AND PATH IN LIFE. Very simply, I was hooked.  But I want you all to know about a very important person who played an important role in helping me get there. His name is Richard Simmons.  First he inspired me on TV, eventually I had the opportunity to work for him.

Growing up as the FAT KID took a toll on my life.  Throughout my childhood things were not good at home.  And in the neighborhood I was always called names like big-boned and chubby.  I would also hear  ‘YOU HAVE SUCH A PRETTY FACE, IF YOU WOULD ONLY LOSE WEIGHT’. That sticks with me even today. Going into my teens was such a nightmare.  I realize now that I was chronically depressed all of those years. I know people meant well but it still hurt to hear those words, YOU NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT. Being a fat teen in a skinny world was horrible. I tried to make the best of it.  I did have lots of friends and boyfriends and was always the life of the party. But even with all of that I still felt alone and really never fit in.  There was always that part of me that knew that I would rise up and change my life.  And that’s what kept me going all those years. 

Every time I write, think or speak about my young adulthood, I can still see that 300-plus pound woman huffing and puffing her way through life.  Eventually I came to believe that I might really die if I kept going that way.  I remember feeling so desperate because all I knew how to do was diet.  And like most women I had FAILED AT EVERY ONE OF THEM.

So, out of the woodwork comes this funny, hilarious screaming in your face guy named, Richard Simmons. I followed him on TV for years - watched him faithfully on General Hospital and on talk shows. Yes, I also needed to be inspired and he did it.  He not only inspired me, he inspired millions of women and men all over the world. He was my hero when I needed a boost. When I needed to be motivated he was there for me. I watched his show faithfully and between listening to him and hearing that voice inside of me saying, YOU CAN DO THIS, I began to move in the right direction.

Years later, while living in Denver, Colorado and just starting out on my path, I saw a larger than life banner that said: RICHARD SIMMONS ANATOMY ASYLUM.  I could not believe my eyes.  Right around the corner from my house was going to be a workout center for his loyal followers – that meant ME!  I ran home to change, then down to the facility and met another person who helped change my life forever. Her name was Marianna Forsea.  She was a woman who worked very hard and had become quite successful.  She must have seen something in me because she offered me a job working for the man himself, Richard Simmons. I was speechless.  Me?  What did I know? Marianna eventually told me that the minute she saw me, she knew I had what it takes and I guess she was right.  And then, yes, Richard himself took me under his wing.  I became the Training Director for 5 of the Colorado Anatomy Asylums. I worked many long hours but loved the job. I loved the members and my staff. I wanted to go to work everyday. It was great! Later, when the centers closed I was offered a position at Richard’s new club in Beverly Hills. But as it turned out it was time for me to go back home.  I wanted to get my education and that is what I did.

There are days when I look at pictures from that time in my life and I think about Richard and Marianna, who both left a positive piece of themselves with me, and I get teary eyed. I feel honored and blessed to have had that time of my life because it is so connected to my work today. I wanted to try to speak to Richard and I e-mailed him recently.  Yesterday when he responded I was so thrilled.  I read the e-mail and got choked up.  He is doing fabulously and so am I. He just turned 60 and I am 54 on Sunday. We both have a common bond to see people change their lives. We both preach the same message, EXERCISE IS A WAY OF LIFE.  I hope that Richard Simmons and I cross paths in the very near future and I somehow think that will happen.  And I am still listening to that voice that I heard over 20 years ago that has never let me down. 

Deb