Celebrating the Life and Legacy of the Beloved Fitness Icon In Beverly Hills
Seven months after the untimely and unexpected passing of Richard Simmons, the City of Beverly Hills celebrates the life and legacy of the beloved, globally renowned fitness expert, TV personality and philanthropist, with the City Council proclaiming Saturday, February 22, 2025 Richard Simmons Day.
While Simmons inspired millions around the world to embrace a healthier lifestyle through his groundbreaking fitness program Sweatin‘ to the Oldies’ and countless other videos, books and public appearances, his home base from 1974 to 2016 was the iconic, foundational Slimmons Studio, which was located in the heart of Beverly Hills on Civic Center Drive.
For decades, inspired to join by his trademark mission “Classes for Everyone – Regardless of Weight or Fitness Level,” dedicated locals (some of whom attended regularly for many years) and tourists alike would gather every Tuesday and Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 11:15 a.m. for Simmons’ legendary aerobics, exercise and motivational classes.Before his Saturday exercise class, Simmons opened the floor to his students for a dedicated 40-minute discussion time he called “Project Me.”
As part of the Richard Simmons Day festivities, several of his former leader/instructors – some from Slimmons, others from various franchises around the country – are hosting a Dance Party Memorial Tribute for Simmons’ loyal, regular students who spent most of those Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings sweating with and learning about health, body positivity, self-empowerment and confidence building with him.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 22 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at La Cienega Park Auditorium, located at 8400 Gregory Way, Beverly Hills, 90211. The event is free, but is intended for Simmons’ longtime students rather than the general public. Registration information is available on Simmons’ social media pages and his website (www.richardsimmons.com). There is also a free Zoom option for those who would like to attend virtually. Organizers plan to start the program by 12:40 p.m.
The itinerary for the Dance Party Memorial Tribute begins with an introduction of the day’s leaders and their history with and relation to Simmons, followed by 30-40 minutes of joyful and purposeful dancing, led by the instructors. The set list will most likely include classic Simmons favorites (listen for Gloria Gaynor, Barbra Streisand, Peter Allen, Jackson 5, the Pointer Sisters and Sylvester) with a possible nod to contemporary music via Pink and Best New Artist Grammy winner Chappel Roan. The leaders will pause between songs to explain why each was special to Richard and his students as part of the history and legacy of Slimmons.
The remainder of the time will be a “Project Me” style circle discussion, where everyone in attendance will have an opportunity to share their reflections on what Simmons meant to them, how he and the Slimmons experience personally impacted their physical and emotional well being and lives in general – and how they are doing now.
Though the special event at La Cienega Park is targeted to those who participated in the original Slimmons experience, others are still invited to mark the special day in their own way. As the final paragraph of the City of Beverly Hills’ official Richard Simmons Day proclamation says, “We urge all resident to observe this day in honor of Richard Simmons’ life, his unparalleled contributions to health, wellness and the spirit of kindness that he spread around the world.“
Photo Credit: Slimmons Alumni
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