Richard Simmons

The Energetic Heart of Fitness Infomercials

Long before workout apps and Instagram trainers, Richard Simmons was the face—and the heart—of home fitness. With his trademark curly hair, sparkly tank tops, and boundless energy, Simmons didn’t just sell exercise tapes. He inspired millions to believe that fitness could be fun, accessible, and joyful.

The Rise of a Fitness Personality

Richard Simmons started his career in the 1970s as an overweight young man determined to change his life. His own weight-loss journey sparked a passion for helping others. In 1974, he opened Slimmons, an exercise studio in Beverly Hills that welcomed people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels.

His charisma quickly caught the attention of television producers, and Simmons became a frequent guest on talk shows. But it was the infomercial boom of the 1980s and 90s that propelled him to unprecedented fame.

Sweatin’ to the Oldies

In 1988, Simmons released Sweatin’ to the Oldies, an exercise video series that would become a pop culture phenomenon. Unlike many fitness programs that featured lean, intimidating instructors, Simmons’ workouts were set to classic rock and Motown hits and showcased everyday people dancing along with him.

The combination of nostalgic music, inclusive casting, and Richard’s relentlessly positive energy was revolutionary. His late-night infomercials promoting Sweatin’ to the Oldies ran for years and sold millions of VHS tapes and DVDs—making it one of the best-selling home fitness series of all time.

Deal-A-Meal and More

Beyond aerobic dance, Simmons also created Deal-A-Meal, a simple nutrition plan that used color-coded cards to help people manage portions and make healthier choices. Infomercials for Deal-A-Meal were equally iconic, with Simmons cheerfully demonstrating the cards and sharing emotional success stories of people who lost weight.

Throughout the 1990s, Simmons became a fixture of direct-response television. He appeared in countless commercials and informercials, all with the same signature approach: warmth, encouragement, and genuine care for people struggling to feel better about themselves.

A Lasting Legacy

While the infomercial era has largely been replaced by online marketing, Richard Simmons’ influence endures. He made fitness less intimidating and more joyful, and he proved that authenticity could be just as powerful as hard sell tactics.

For many, seeing Richard on late-night TV was a lifeline—a reminder that no matter who you were or where you started, you could move your body, laugh, and feel proud of yourself.

Today, Sweatin’ to the Oldies lives on in reissues and YouTube uploads, continuing to inspire new generations to get up and dance.