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US fitness guru Richard Simmons dies aged 76

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US fitness guru Richard Simmons dies aged 76

US TV fitness guru Richard Simmons has died a day after his 76th birthday.

Famously hyperactive, he built a mini-empire in trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better.

Simmons died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, his publicist, Tom Estey, said in an email to the Associated Press. He gave no further details.

Los Angeles police and fire departments said they responded to a house where a man was declared dead from natural causes.

Richard Simmons, pictured at a diabetes charity walk in California in October 2013, revealed in March 2024 that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer (Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)

Simmons, who revealed in March that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer, had recently dropped out of sight, sparking speculation about his health and wellbeing. His death was first reported by TMZ.

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As a teenager, Simmons weighed more than 19 stone but went on to become a master of many media forms, sharing his hard-won weight-loss tips as host of the Emmy-winning daytime Richard Simmons Show and author of best-selling books and the diet plan Deal-A-Meal.

He also opened exercise studios and starred in exercise videos, including the hugely successful Sweatin’ To The Oldies” line, which became a cultural phenomenon.

“My food plan and diet are just two words – common sense. With a dash of good humour,” he told the Associated Press in 1982. “I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happy place.”

Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons, pictured at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2013, became the butt of jokes over his outfits and flamboyance (John Shearer/Invision for MTV/AP)

Simmons embraced mass communication to get his message out, despite becoming the butt of jokes for his outfits and flamboyant flair.

He was a sought-after guest on TV shows led by Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and Phil Donahue. But David Letterman would prank him and Howard Stern would tease him until he cried.

He was mocked in Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl on Broadway in 1993, and Eddie Murphy put on white make-up and dressed like him in The Nutty Professor”, screaming “I’m a pony!”

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Asked if he thought he could motivate people by being silly, Simmons said: “I think there’s a time to be serious and a time to be silly. It’s knowing when to do it.

“I try to have a nice combination. Being silly cures depression. It catches people off guard and makes them think. But in between that silliness is a lot of seriousness that makes sense. It’s a different kind of training.”

Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons leads the crowd at the first ever Women’s Heart Conference in Kearney, Nebraska, in March 1999 (Rick Tucker/Kearney Hub/AP)

Simmons’ daytime show was seen on 200 TV stations in America, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan and South America. His first book, Never Say Diet, was a best-seller.

He was known to counsel the severely obese, including Rosalie Bradford, who held records for being the world’s heaviest woman, and Michael Hebranko, who credited Simmons for helping him lose 700lb (50 stone).

Simmons put real people – chubby, balding or non-telegenic – in his exercise videos to make the fitness goals seem reachable.

Throughout his career, Simmons was a reliable critic of fad diets, always emphasizing healthy eating and exercise plans.

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“There’ll always be some weird thing about eating four grapes before you go to bed, or drinking a special tea, or buying this little bean from El Salvador,” he told the AP in 2005 as the Atkins diet craze swept the country.

“If you watch your portions and you have a good attitude and you work out every day you’ll live longer, feel better and look terrific.”

Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons sits for a portrait in Los Angeles in June 1982 (Richard Drew/AP)

Simmons was a native of New Orleans, a chubby boy named Milton by his parents. He renamed himself “Richard” around the age of 10 to improve his self-image.

He would tell people he ate to excess because he believed his parents liked his older brother more. He was teased by schoolmates and ballooned to around 14 stone (200lb).

Simmons told the AP his mother watched exercise guru Jack LaLanne’s TV show religiously when he was growing up, but he was not keen on the fitness fanatic.

“I hated him,” he said. “I wasn’t ready for his message because he was fit and he was healthy and he had such a positive attitude, and I was none of those things.”

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Simmons went to Italy as a foreign exchange student and ended up doing peanut butter adverts and bacchanalian eating scenes for director Federico Fellini in his film Fellini Satyricon.

He told the AP: “I was fat, had curly hair. The Italians thought I was hysterical. I was the life of the party.”

His life changed after receiving an anonymous letter.

“One dark, rainy day I went to my car and found a note. It said ‘Dear Richard, you’re very funny, but fat people die young. Please don’t die’.

He said he was so stunned that he went on a starvation diet that left him thin but very ill.

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Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons is surrounded by models at the launch in Los Angeles in August 1984 of his line of Advantage clothing exclusively for plus-sized women (Mark Avery/AP)

After the crash diet, he regained four-and-a-half stone (65lb), but eventually, he was able to devise a sensible plan to take off the pounds and keep them off.

“I went into the business because I couldn’t find anything I liked,” he said.

When Simmons had not been seen in public for several years, some news outlets speculated that he was being held hostage in his own house.

In telephone interviews with Entertainment Tonight and the Today show, Simmons refuted the claims and told his fans he was enjoying the time by himself.

Film-maker/writer Dan Taberski, one of his regular students, launched a podcast in 2017 called Missing Richard Simmons.

In 2022, Simmons broke his six-year silence, with his spokesman telling the New York Post that the beloved fitness star was “living the life he has chosen”.

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One of the online tributes after Simmons’ death was from actor-comedian Pauly Shore, who previously developed an unauthorised biopic of Simmons, which Simmons objected to at the time.

“I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed,” he said in an Instagram post.

“I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up in the heavens … You’re one of a kind, Richard. An amazing life. An amazing story.”

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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Amazon

This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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